THE 
REPTILE  BOOK 


RAYMOND  L.D1TMARS 


GIFT   OF 

WILLIAM  DILLER  MATTHEW 


WILLIAM   DILLER  MATTHEW 


THE  REPTILE  BOOK 


Nature  Books  With  Colour  Plates 

AMERICAN  ANIMALS 

Witmer  Stone  and  Wm.  Everitt  Cram 

AMERICAN  FOOD  AND  GAME  FISHES 

David  Starr  Jordan  and  Barton  W.  Evermann 

BIRD   HOMES  A.  R.Dugmore 

BlRD  NEIGHBOURS  Neltje  Blanchan 

GAME   BIRDS  Neltje  Blanchan 

NATURE'S  GARDEN  Neltje  Blanchan 

THE  BUTTERFLY  BOOK  Dr.  w.  J.  Holland 

THE  FROG  BOOK  Mary  C.  Dickerson 

THE   INSECT   BOOK  Dr.  Lcland  O.  Howard 

THE   MOTH   BOOK  Dr.  W.  J.  Holland 

THE   MUSHROOM    BOOK  Nina  L.  Marshall 

THE    REPTILE    BOOK  Raymond  L.  Ditmars 

THE  TREE  BOOK  Julia  E.  Rogers 


'C     C 

o>    s 

" 


THE  REPTILE  BOOK 

A  COMPREHENSIVE,  POPULARISED 
WORK  ON  THE  STRUCTURE  AND 
HABITS  OF  THE  TURTLES,  TORTOISES 
CROCODILIANS,  LIZARDS  AND  SNAKES 
WHICH  INHABIT  THE  UNITED 
STATES  AND  NORTHERN  MEXICO 


BY 

RAYMOND  LEE  DITMARS 

Curator  of  Reptiles  in  the  New  York  Zoological  Park 


EIGHT  PLATES  IN  COLOUR  AND  MORE  THAN 
FOUR    HUNDRED    PHOTOGRAPHS    FROM   LIFE 


NEW  YORK 

DOUBLEDAY,  PAGE  &  COMPANY 
1907 


•: 


>• 


MAj  11  ,c.w 
LIBRARY 

Copyright,  1907,  by 
DOUBLEDAY,  PAGE  &  COMPANY 
Published,  March,  1907 


All  rights  reserved, 

including  that  of  translation  into  foreign  languages, 
including  the  Scandinavian 


TO  WHOM  ALL  CREDIT  IS  DUE 

FOR  PROVIDING  ME  WITH  THAT  GREATEST  OF  REQUISITES 

THE  AMBITION  TO  ATTEMPT  A  GREAT  TASK. 

THIS  WORK  IS  DEDICATED 


ACKNOWLEDGMENTS 

IT  is  difficult,  in  type,  to  express  my  sincere  appreciation  for  the 
hearty  assistance  I  have  received,  in  the  preparation  of  this  work. 

To  Director  William  T.  Hornaday,  of  the  New  York  Zoolog- 
ical Park,  I  wish  to  express  my  thanks  and  esteem,  for  his  en- 
couragement and  suggestions.  The  most  pleasant  period  of 
my  life,  has  been  the  seven  years  past,  spent  in  the  Zoological 
Park  in  charge  of  the  collection  of  reptiles.  Nowhere  else  but 
in  a  reptile  house  like  that  erected  by  the  New  York  Zoological 
Society,  could  one  find  such  opportunities  to  observe  reptiles  at 
their  best.  A  number  of  the  photographs  are  of  specimens  that 
have  been  exhibited  at  the  Park. 

My  thanks  are  also  extended  to  Dr.  Leonhard  Stejneger, 
Curator  of  Reptiles,  at  the  United  States  National  Museum  for 
assistance  in  the  identification  of  specimens. 

To  Director  Arthur  Erwin  Brown,  of  the  Philadelphia 
Zoological  Gardens,  I  am  indebted  for  much  helpful  advice. 

For  courtesies  that  have  been  valuable  in  the  preparation  of 
this  book,  I  wish  to  thank  Dr.  Samuel  Carman  and  Mr.  Thomas 
Barbour,  in  relation  to  reptiles  at  the  Museum  of  Comparative 
Zoology,  at  Cambridge,  Massachusetts.  Through  the  coopera- 
tion of  these  gentlemen,  photographs  of  a  number  of  very 
rare  species  were  procured. 

To  the  following  gentlemen  I  also  wish  to  extend  my  thanks: 

Mr.  C.  S.  Brimley,  Raleigh,  North  Carolina;  Dr.  John  Van 
Denburgh,  San  Francisco,  Calif.;  Mr.  Herbert  Lang,  Am.  Mus. 
of  Nat.  Hist.,  New  York;  Mr.  Morris  Pearsall,  New  York;  Mr. 
Adam  Dove,  New  York;  Mr.  Otto  Eggling,  New  York;  Mr.  Wit- 
mer  Stone,  Academy  of  Natural  Sciences,  Philadelphia,  Pa.;  Prof. 
E.  L.  Moseley,  Sandusky,  Ohio. 

In  conclusion  I  v/ish  to  express  my  obligations  to  Keepers 
Charles  Snyder  and  John  Toomey,  of  the  Reptile  House,  in 
the  New  York  Zoological  Park. 

New  York  RAYMOND  L.  DITMARS. 

vii 


PREFACE 

IN  THE  great  procession  of  zoological  events,  we  find  elab- 
orate representations  of  all  the  branches  of  animate  creation 
but  that  of  reptiles.  Occasionally,  a  technical  work  passes 
before  the  eager  student,  but  its  phraseology  and  complication 
fail  to  attract  and  it  finds  its  way  only  to  the  library  of  the  great 
institutions  where  it  remains  as  a  reference  for  a  scientific  few. 
The  shelves  of  our  libraries  groan  with  masses  of  literature  upon 
mammals,  birds,  fishes,  insects  and  the  lower  forms  of  life — 
literature  of  a  kind  that  may  be  comprehended  by  the  Great 
Majority,  but  the  gap — in  the  scale  of  classification  between 
the  birds  and  the  fishes — has  steadily  remained  unchanged. 
The  descriptions  of  reptiles  in  the  works  of  general  natural  his- 
tory, excellent  though  they  may  be,  are  mere  bird's-eye  views- 
of  a  great  subject.  The  works  of  the  technical  writers,  voluminous 
enough,  are  imperatively  necessary  in  the  records  of  Science, 
but  pure  science  is  so  far  over  the  head  of  the  average  student, 
that  without  proper  steps  to  reach  it — popularised  books — he 
would  never  know  the  reason  for  which  it  was  created.  But 
one  condition  can  bring  about  more  general  knowledge  and  in- 
terest in  the  great  Class  of  Reptiles  and  that  is  the  special  treat- 
ment of  structure  and  habits  in  a  manner  sympathetic  to  the 
needs  of  the  Many,  who  crave  to  learn. 

In  the  present  work  the  writer  has  sought  to  compile  a 
popular  review  of  a  great  fauna — the  Reptiles  of  North  America. 
He  has  excluded  technical  phraseology  and  tried  to  produce 
two  results:  i.  A  popular  book,  that  may  be  comprehended 
by  the  beginner  and  2 — A  book  valuable  in  its  details  to  the 
technical  worker.  Though  some  scientists  scoff  at  all  lan- 
guage except  that  which  is  obscure  to  everybody  but  them- 
selves, I  feel  sure  that  to  even  that  Few,  this  book  will  be  of 
interest,  for  the  illustrations  alone  tell  the  story. 

My  friend  the  Camera:  Through  the  several  years  of  prep- 
aration of  this  book,  my  most  useful  ally  has  been  a  camera. 


Preface 

All  of  the  illustrations  of  the  reptiles  themselves,  are  photo- 
graphic; every  photograph,  of  this  large  series,  is  an  original. 
The  illustrations  were  procured  under  the  most  varied  con- 
ditions, but  most  of  them  are  exposures  of  from  one  to  five  seconds, 
and  were  taken  through  a  ray  filter.  With  the  exception  of 
six  illustrations*  (of  turtles),  all  of  the  photographs  were  taken 
by  the  writer. 

My  camera  has  worked  hard  and  faithfully  and  the  details 
of  structure  have  been  fully  portrayed,  but  in  a  work  like  this, 
colour  value  in  the  pattern  is  of  great  importance,  and  here  the 
camera  has  its  limitations,  though  assisted  by  the  ray  filter  and 
colour-sensitive  plates.  A  great  amount  of  work  was  done 
upon  the  negatives  themselves,  and  in  this,  the  use  of  restrain- 
ing dyes  formed  an  important  part;  some  of  the  developed 
plates  were  put  through  a  half-dozen  processes  before  they 
passed  a  satisfactory  test.  Those  illustrations  of  snakes  that 
are  blotched  or  ringed  with  scarlet  (a  difficult  problem  for  the 
camera)  are  good  examples  of  the  final  result. 

*  For  these  T  am  indebted  to  Mr.  Herbert  Lang. 


INTRODUCTION 

THROUGHOUT  this  work  the  writer  has  tried  to  assist  the 
beginner — yet  he  feels  that  he  has  left  out  little  that  will  interest 
the  technical  worker.  He  believes  that  the  trend  of  scientific 
publications  should  be  more  in  this  direction.  Let  us  consider 
but  one  argument,  and  that  in  relation  to  the  study  of  reptiles. 
Suppose  an  intelligent  farmer,  with  an  inclination  for  the  study 
of  popular  natural  history,  should  find  a  snake  upon  his  lands, 
and,  wishing  to  find  whether  it  was  harmless  or  poisonous,  opens 
a  strictly  scientific  book,  dealing  with  North  American  reptiles. 
What  does  he  find?  Elaborate  descriptions  of  anatomical 
characters,  many  of  these  internal,  and  these  descriptions  under 
technical  headings,  each  followed  by  a  long  list  of  synonyms 
and  often  a  lengthy  debate  as  to  the  former  classification  by 
other  scientists  than  the  author;  about  the  only  popular  words 
in  the  description,  are  the  articles  "the"  and  "a";  even  the 
colours  are  defined  in  intricate  fashion.  To  this  man,  such 
a  book  is  useless.  He  has  no  time  to  master  the  bewildering, 
new  language  he  has  discovered,  so  is  unable  to  learn  whether 
the  snakes  living  on  his  farm  are  harmless  or  dangerous,  bene- 
ficial or  otherwise. 

In  preparing  the  descriptions,  the  writer  has  excluded  com- 
plicated references  to  structure.  Of  these  characters,  his  valu- 
able assistant,  the  camera,  has  described  intricate  details  far 
better  than  if  such  were  put  in  type;  in  fact,  many  of  the  species 
need  little  description  beyond  that  of  their  colours  and  si%e, 
as  the  photograph  of  the  animal  and  the  attendant  illustrations 
of  the  head  (above  and  from  the  side)  show  most  of  the  features 
of  the  structure  and  pattern. 

Use  of  scientific  names. — The  practice  of  often  changing 
generic  names,  simply  according  to  the  ideas  of  this  or  that 
authority,  is  very  confusing  to  any  but  the  advanced  student 
and  adds  to  the  steadily  increasing  list  of  synonyms.  The  writer 
has  made  no  attempt  to  discuss  the  alleged  good-standing  of 

xi 


i 


Introduction 

generic  names,  but  has  uniformly  adopted  technical  names  that 
have  been  well  established.  Thus  there  will  be  no  lists  of  synonyms 
in  this  book.  His  policy  has  been  to  devote  more  time  in  pre- 
paring a  popular  presentation  of  his  subject,  than  to  add  another, 
to  the  many  searches  for  "priority." 

Following  is  an  example  of  a  title,  and  its  different  parts: 

PIGMY   RATTLESNAKE,  a 

Sistrurus  miliarius,  (Linn.),  b 

a. — The   popular    name. 
b. — The  technical  name  and  authority. 
The  parts  of  the  technical  or  scientific  name  may  be 
described  thus: 

Sistrurus  a.  miliarius,  b.   (Linn.)  c 

a. — The  generic  name. 
b. — The  specific  name. 
c. — The  authority. 

In  strictly  scientific  writings,  the  placing  of  the  name  of 
the  authority  in  a  parenthesis,  signifies  that  the  name  of  the 
genus  has  been  changed  from  that  in  which  the  species  was 
placed  in  the  original  description. 

Under  the  head  of  scientific  names  comes  another  subject. 
This  is  discrimination  in  the  recognition  of  species  and  sub- 
species— varieties.  In  a  purely  scientific  book,  those  species 
and  varieties  that  have  been  rejected  as  doubtful,  or  forming 
mere  varietal  phases  of  well-established  species,  are  placed  in 
the  list  of  synonyms,  beneath  the  name;  relating  to  their  re- 
jection is  usually  an  argument,  explaining  the  cause  of  their 
exclusion.  As  this  is  a  subject  that  will  interest  the  technical 
herpetologist  only,  we  will  pass  it  with  the  explanation  that 
such  lists  have  not  been  treated  in  this  work,  and  the  final  result 
of  the  writer's  discrimination  stands  illustrated  in  the  array 
of  those  species  and  varieties  (sub-species)  that  have  been 
recognised. 

System  of  measurement. — Nearly  every  description  has  a 
table  of  measurements;  these  lists  have  been  prepared  in  uniform 
style  throughout;  most  of  them  stand  as  average  dimensions, 
taken  from  a  series  of  specimens. 

The  measurements  of  the  length  and  width  of  shells  of 

xii 


Introduction 

the  turtles,  are  on  a  straight  line  (not  following  the  curve  of 
the  shell)  and  were  made  with  calipers  in  the  fashion  shown, 
in  miniature,  in  the  illustration.  In  procuring  the  width  and 
length  of  the  head;  the  width  of  a  lizard's  body  or  the  greatest 
diameter  of  a  snake's  body,  the  calipers  were  necessarily  em- 
ployed. The  length  of  a  serpent's  head  is  from  the  tip  of  the 
snout  to  the  back  of  the  bulge,  behind  the  mouth;  by  running 
the  finger  nail  along  the  neck,  near  the  base  of  the  head,  the 
junction  of  the  jaw-bones  may  be  felt;  this  is  the  end  of  the 
head.  (See  illustration).  The  width  of  the  head,  is  always 
the  widest  part. 

"Si%e." — In  the  descriptive  matter  will  be  found  the  desig- 
nations, "very  small,"  "small,"  "moderate"  and  "large."  At 
the  beginning,  these  sizes  should  be  understood. 

Any  of  our  fresh-water  turtles  having  a  shell  10  to  12  inches 
long,  are  designated  as  large  species;  a  small  species  has  a  shell 
from  2  to  4  inches  long. 

Lizards  under  5  inches  in  length  are  small;  those  between 
5  and  10  inches  long  are  of  moderate  size;  over  10  inches,  they 
are  of  large  size — for  North  American  lizards. 

A  snake  under  14  inches  long  is  small;  over  14  inches 
and  up  to  3^  feet  might  it  be  described  as  of  moderate  size; 
serpents  over  3^  feet  long  are  large  among  the  species  em- 
braced in  this  work. 

References  to  structure. — In  a  few  of  the  descriptions,  con- 
cise reference  has  been  made  to  certain  parts  of  the  structure; 
the  resulting  terms  would  be  confusing  without  explanation 
and  figures. 

Turtles. — The  upper  shell  is  known  as  the  Carapace; 
the  lower  one  as  the  Plastron.  For  the  sake  of  con- 
venience, these  terms  have  been  frequently  used. 

Lizards. — As  some  of  the  species  are  more  readily 
separated  in  the  keys  by  using  the  arrangement  of 
the  head  shields  as  distinguishing  features,  the  student 
should  have  a  general  idea  of  the  situation  of  the 
more  important  head-plates  in  case  there  be  reference 
to  such.  (See  illustration.) 

Snakes. — The  serpents,  being  scaled  reptiles,  fall 
under  much  the  same  form  of  description  as  the  lizards, 
and  a  general  idea  of  the  head-plates  should  be  acquired. 
(See  illustration.) 

xiii 


Introduction 

With  both  snakes  and  lizards  the  character  of  the  scales 
of  the  upper  surfaces,  is  important.  The  scales  may  be  smooth 
or  keeled  (carinated) ;  in  the  latter  case,  weakly  or  heavily  keeled. 
A  keeled  scale  has  a  distinct,  line-like  keel  running  from  its 
base  to  the  tip. 

Some  of  the  lizards  have  a  very  fine,  granular  scalation 
above  and  large,  square  shields  on  the  abdomen;  others  have 
large,  keeled  scales  above  and  smaller  scales  on  the  under-surface. 
Many  have  the  head  plated,  like  the  snakes;  others  have  small 
scales  on  the  top  of  the  head.  Such  details  of  structure  are 
easily  understood  and  largely  employed  in  the  descriptions. 

It  should  be  noted  that  the  body  scales  of  a  snake  are  ar- 
ranged in  symmetrical,  oblique  rows,  from  one  side  of  the  abdo- 
men to  the  other;  the  abdomen  is  covered  with  a  single  row 
of  broad  plates.  By  counting  the  scales  in  one  of  the  rows, 
on  the  upper  surface,  we  have  another  important  point  to  be 
used  in  identification. 

The  pupil  of  the  eye  of  snakes  or  lizards,  may  be  round  or 
elliptical:  this  should  be  noted. 

Little  more  can  be  said  by  way  of  explanation.  Preced- 
ing each  Part  of  the  work  is  a  classified  list  showing  the  arrange- 
ment of  families,  genera  and  the  number  of  species  of  North 
American  reptiles  in  each  of  the  genera.  Preceding  the  de- 
scription of  each  list  of  species  of  the  various  genera,  is  a  key 
to  those  species.  Thus  the  way  is  paved,  step  by  step,  to  assist 
the  beginner. 

Before  examining  the  succeeding  chapters,  it  is  interesting 
to  get  a  bird's-eye  view  of  the  subject  involved. 

The  Class  Reptilia  is  represented  in  North  America  by 
four  Orders  given  below: 

The  CHELONIA — Turtles  and  Tortoises. 
The  CROCODILIA — Crocodilians. 
The  LACERTILIA — Lizards. 
The  OPHIDIA — Snakes. 

The  total  number  of  North  American  species  of  these  Orders, 
is  254.  Of  these  44  are  Chelonians,  2  are  Crocodilians,  97  are 
Lizards  and  1 1 1  Snakes. 

xiv 


CONTENTS 

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS     .......          vii 

PUiiFACE       .  .  .  Jx 

INTRODUCTION     ....  .         .         .  xi 

PART  I:     THE  TURTLES  AND  TORTOISES 

Order  CHELONIA 

CHAPTER  PAGE 

I.    CLASSIFICATION  OF  THE  NORTH  AMERICAN  TURTLES 

AND  TORTOISES    ......  3 

II.    THE  SEA  TURTLES;  Families  Spbargida  and  Chelonidce 
Largest  of  the  Chelonians.     These  Strictly  Aquatic 
Reptiles  May  be  Recognised  by  their  Seal-like 
Flippers  .......         4 

III.  THE    SNAPPING   TURTLES;     Family    Chelydridce 

A    Small    Family,    Composed   of  Three  Large   and 

Powerful  Species     .          .          .          .          .         .11 

IV.  THE  MUSK  OR  MUD  TURTLES;    Family   Cinosternidce 
The    Genera     Aromochelys    and  Cinosternum,  Com- 
posed of  Small  and  Thoroughly  Aquatic  Species, 

the  Majority  Inhabiting  North  America  .  17 

V.    THE  TERRAPINS;    The    Genera   Cbrysemys,   Malaco- 
demmys,  and  Cbelopus.     Family  Testudinidce. 
A  Group  of   Aquatic  Chelonians  Known  Commonly 
as  Pond  Turtles  and  River  Turtles.     They  are 
Characterised     by     their     Broad,     Flat    Shell. 
Most  of  the  Species  are  Edible        ...       28 
VI.    THE  Box  TURTLES;     Genera  Emys  and  Cistudo 

Turtles  with  Divided,  Hinged  Plastrons — Descriptions 

of  the  Species — Their  Habits    ....       54 
VII.    THE  TORTOISES;    Genus  Testudo 

Strictly  Terrestrial  Chelonians.  Represented  in  North 

America  by  Three   Species     ....       65 
xv 


Contents 

CHAPTER  PAGE 

VIII.    THE  SOFT-SHELLED  TURTLES;  Genus  Trionyx.  Fam- 
ily Trionycbida 
Strongly  Characteristic  Chelonians,  with    a    Soft, 

Leathery  Shell      ......       72 

PART  II:     THE  CROCODILIANS 
Order  CROCODIL1A 

IX.    THE  CROCODILIANS;    Order  Crocodilia 

An  Order  Represented  by  Two  Species  in  the  United 
States — The  American  Crocodile  and  the 
Alligator 83 

PART  ni:   THE  LIZARDS 

Order  LACERT1L1A 

X.    THE  LIZARDS 

Classification  of  North  American  Lizards        .          .       95 
XI.    THE  GECKOS;  Families  Geckonidce  and  Eublepharidce 
A  Large  Group  of  Granular-scaled  Lizards,  Repre- 
sented by  Four  Species  in  North  America         .       97 
XII.    THE  AMERICAN  CHAMELEON;  Genus  Anolis 

The  Nonth  American  Representative  of  a  Large, 
New  World  Genus  of  Lizards  that  are  Re- 
markable in  the  Habit  of  Frequently  Changing 
their  Colours  .  .  .  .  .  .102 

XIII.     THE  IGUANAS 

Large   Species   that   May  be  Recognised  by  their 

Fine  Scalation  and  Spine-like  Crest.          .          .106 
XIV.    THE  GENERA  Sauromalus  AND  Crotaphylus. 

Fine-scaled  Representatives  of  the  Iguanidcz  .          .      1 1 1 
XV.    THE    SPOTTED    LIZARDS;    ZEBRA-TAILED    LIZARDS 
Small  and  Strictly  Terrestrial  Species  of  the  Genera 

Callisaurus,  Uma,  and  Holbrookia    .         .         .116 

XVI.    THE  SWIFTS 

Two  Genera — Via  and   Sceloporus — Small,   Rough- 
scaled  Lizards       .         .         .         .         .         .122 

xvi 


Contents 

CHAPTER  pAGB 

XVII.    THE  HORNED  LIZARDS;  Genus  Pbrynosoma 

A  Genus   of   Lizards   that   are  Most  Commonly 

Known  as  the  Horned  "Toads"   .          .         .      143 
XVIII.    THE  PLATED  LIZARDS  AND  SNAKE-LIKE  SPECIES 
The  Families  Anguidce  and  Aniellidce,  Embracing 
the  North  American    Genera   Gerrhonotus— 
Plated    Lizards,  Ophisaurus — Glass  "Snake" 
and  Aniella — Ground  "Snake"    .          .          .160 
XIX.    THE  BEADED  LIZARDS;  Family  H '  elodermatidce 

A  Family  Composed  of  but  Two  Species — The  Gila 
Monster  and  the  Mexican  Beaded   Lizard — 
Both  of  the  Genus  Heloderma.    Descriptions 
of  the  Species — Their  Habits       .          .         .169 
XX.    THE   FAMILY   Xantusiidce 

A   Small    Family   of    Diminutive    Lizards — Five 

Species  Inhabit  Southwestern  North  America     178 
XXI.    THE    STRIPED    LIZARDS  OR   "RACE  RUNNERS"; 

Family  Teiidce. — Genus  Cnemidophorus         .          .184 
XXII.    THE  WORM-LIKE  LIZARDS 

The  Families  Eucbiratida  and  Ampbisbcmidat, 
Embracing  the  Most  Degenerate  of  the  Liz- 
ards— Descriptions  of  the  North  American 
Species  .  .  ...  190 

XXIII.    THE  SKINKS  OR  SMOOTH-SCALED  LIZARDS;  Family 
Scincidce 

Small,  Glossy-scaled  Lizards  of  a  Large 
Family,  Represented  in  North  America  by 
Two  Genera  and  Fifteen  Species  .  -195 


PART  IV:     THE  SNAKES 

Order  OPHIDIA 

XXIV.    CLASSIFICATION  OF  THE  NORTH  AMERICAN  SNAKES    207 
XXV.    THE   BLIND    SNAKES;    Family  Glauconiidce,  AND 
THE  DWARF  BOAS;  Family  Boidce 
A    Few    Northern    Representatives   of    Tropical 

Families.  .          .         .          .         .         .     209 

xvii 


Contents 

CHAPTER  PAGE 

XXVI.    THE  STRIPED  SNAKES — GARTER  SNAKES;  Genus 

Euiania 

A  Genus  of  North  American  Snakes  that  are 
Noted  for  their  Abundance  and  the  Great 
Variation  of  Pattern  Among  Some  of  the 
Species — Key  to  the  Identification  of  Species 
— Detailed  Descriptions — Keys  to  the  Iden- 
tification of  Varieties — Habits  .  .  .  213 

XXVII.    THE  WATER  SNAKES;  Genus  Tropidonotus 

A  Large  Genus  of  Semi-aquatic  Serpents  that 
Occur  in  both  the  Eastern  and  Western 
Hemispheres — Descriptions  of  the  North 
American  Species — Their  Habits  .  .  241 

XXVIII.  SMALL,  MISCELLANEOUS  KEELED-SCALED  SER- 
PENTS; Genera  Clonophis,  Tropidodonium,  Sem- 
inatrix,  and  Liodytes  .  .  .  .  261 

XXIX.    THE  BROWN  SNAKES 

Small  and  Secretive  Species,  Representing 
the  Genera  Storeria,  Haldea,  Ampbiardis, 
and  Virginia  ......  266 

XXX.    THE    RACERS;    Genera    Spilotes   and    Zamenis 
Large  Non-constricting  Serpents,  Characterised 

by  their  Great  Agility          .      .          .         .     274 

XXXI.    THE  FLAT-NOSED  SNAKES;  Genera  Salvadora  and 
Phyllorbynchus 
Unique   Serpents  of  the   Southwestern   United 

States  and  Mexico    .         .         .         .         .291 

XXXII.  THE  RAT  SNAKES  OR  COLUBERS;  Genus  Coluber 
Large     and    Powerful     Constricting    Serpents. 

They  are  of  Considerable  Economic  Value 
in  Destroying  Animals  that  are  Injurious 
to  Agricultural  Pursuits  .  .  .  294 

XXXIII.  THE  BULL  SNAKES;    Genus  Pituophis 

Large  Constricting  Snakes  that  are  Closely  Allied 
to  the  Rat  Snakes — Descriptions  of  the 
Three  North  American  Species — Their 
Habits  ...  315 

xviii 


Contents 


CHAPTER 

XXXIV. 


THE  GREEN  SNAKES 


Representatives  of  the  Genera  Cydopbis  and 
Liopeltis — Small    Serpents  that   are   of   a 
Uniform,  Pale   Green    Above,    and    thus 
Characteristic    Among    North    American 
Snakes  ...... 

XXXV.    SMALL,  MISCELLANEOUS  SMOOTH-SCALED  SER- 
PENTS;   Genera  Hypsiglena,  Stilosoma,  Rbadi- 
nea,  and  Coniia    ...... 

XXXVI.    THE  RING-NECKED  SNAKES;  Genus  Diadopbis 
Small,     Smooth-scaled    Serpents    with    Char- 
acteristic Markings      .... 

XXXVII.  THE  KING  SNAKES;  Genus  Opbibolus 
Smooth-scaled  Constricting  Serpents  of  Small, 

Medium  and  Large  Size,  which  Derive  the 
Popular  Title  from  their  Habit  of  Killing 
and  Eating  Both  Harmless  and  Venomous 
Snakes  ...... 

XXXVIII.  THE  RAINBOW  SNAKES 

Large    and    Brilliantly    Coloured,   Burrowing 
Serpents,    of    the    Genera    Abasior    and 
Faranda    ...... 

XXXIX.  THE  SHARP-NOSED  SNAKES;  Genera  Carpho- 
pbis,  Ficimia,  Chilomeniscus,  Cemopbora,  and 
Rhinochilus 

Small,  Burrowing  Species,  with  Smooth  Scales 
XL.    THE  HOG-NOSED  SNAKES;  Genus  Heterodon 

Three  North  American  Species  that  are  Inter- 
esting   from    their    Peculiar    Form    and 

Habits 

XLI .    THE  OPISTHOGLYPH  SNAKES  OF  NORTH  AMERICA 

A  Division  of  Mildly  Poisonous  Serpents,  with 

Grooved  Fangs  in  the  Rear  of  the  Upper 

Jaw — The  Many  Species  Occur  in  Both  the 

Eastern  and  the  Western  Hemispheres     . 

XLI  I.    THE  ELAPINE  POISONOUS  SNAKES;  Sub-family 

Elapince 

A  Large  Sub-family  of  the  Colubrida,  Embracing 
the  Old  World  Cobras  and   their  Allies, 
xix 


322 


327 


333 


339 


365 


369 


377 


386 


Contents 

CHAPTER  PAGE 

and  the  American  Coral  Snakes— Resume  of 
the  Elapince— Descriptions  of  the  North  Amer- 
ican Species — Their  Habits  .  392 

XLIII.    THE  VIPERINE  SNAKES;  Family  Viperida 

The  Thick-bodied  Poisonous  Snakes  of  the  New 
World— Serpents  Distinguished  by  their  Long 
Fangs,  which  Fold  Against  the  Roof  of  the 
Mouth  when  it  is  Closed  ....  403 

XLIV.    THE  MOCCASINS;  Genus  Ancistrodon 

Descriptions  of  the  Species — Their  Habits     .          .     414 

XLV.    THE  RATTLESNAKES 

Poisonous  Snakes  of  Two  Genera — Sistrurus  and 
Crotalus— That  are  Unique  Among  Serpents 
in  the  Possession  of  the  Rattle  .  .  426 

INDEX  .  ....     467 


xx 


LIST  OF  COLOUR  PLATES 

PLATE 

i.  DIAMOND  RATTLESNAKE,  Crotalus  adamanteus.  Lar- 
gest of  the  North  American  Poisonous  Serpents 
and  Second  to  Few  of  the  Venomous  Snakes  of 
the  World  in  Point  of  Deadliness  .  .  Frontispiece 

FACING  PAGE 

xii.  EASTERN  PAINTED  TURTLE,  Chrysemys  picta  .  32 

WESTERN  PAINTED  TURTLE,  Chrysemys  marginata  32 

xv.  YELLOW-BELLIED  TERRAPIN,  Chrysemys  scabra  .  40 

CUMBERLAND  TERRAPIN,  Chrysemys  elegans  .  40 

xxx.     ALLIGATOR,  Alligator  mississippiensis    ...       88 

AMERICAN  CROCODILE,  Crocodilus  americanus         .       88 

xxxvii.   COLLARED  LIZARD,  Crotaphytus  collaris  .         .114 

LEOPARD  LIZARD,  Crotaphytus  wisli^enii        .         .114 

liv.    GILA  MONSTER,  Heloderma  suspectum.      The  only 

Poisonous  Lizard  Inhabiting  the  United  States     172 
cv.    MILK  SNAKE,  Ophiholus  doliatus  triangulus.  (New 

York)  .  -339 

SOUTHERN  MILK  SNAKE,  Ophiholus  doliatus  dericus. 

(Maryland) 339 

SCARLET    KING   SNAKE,   Ophiholus    doliatus    coc- 

cineus.     (Florida) 339 

cxviii.     HARLEQUIN  SNAKE;  CORAL  SNAKE,  Elaps  fulvius    .     402 
SONORAN  CORAL  SNAKE,  Elaps  euryxanthus    .         .     402 


XXI 


LIST    OF    HALF-TONE    ILLUSTRATIONS 

PART  I:     THE  TURTLES  AND  TORTOISES 
Order  CHELONIA 

PLATE  FACING   PAGE 

ii.     TRUNK  TURTLE,  Spbargis  coriacea.     Largest  of  the 

Marine  Turtles        ......  6 

LOGGERHEAD  TURTLE,  Thalassochelys  caretta    .         .  6 

iii.     GREEN  TURTLE,    Chelonia  mydas.     Esteemed  as    an 

Article  of  Diet        ......  7 

HAWK'S-BILL  TURTLE,  Chelonia  imbricata.    Valuable 

for  its  "Tortoise  Shell"           ....  7 

iv.     YOUNG  LOGGERHEAD  TURTLES,  Thalassochelys  caretta  10 
Plastrons  of  LOGGERHEAD,  GREEN,  HAWK'S-BILL  and 

TRUNK  Turtles         ......  10 

v.     Eggs  of    the    ARIZONA   MUD   TURTLE,   Cinosternum 

henrici    .          .          .          .          .          .          .          .11 

Newly  Hatched  MUSK  TURTLES,  Aromochelys  odoratus  1 1 

Eggs   of    the    SPOTTED  TURTLE,    Chelopus    guttatus  \  i 

A  Yearling  MUSK  TURTLE,  A.  carinatus.          .         .  1 1 

Very  Young  Box  TURTLE,  Cistudo  Carolina        .       •  .  n 

A  Young  GOPHER  TORTOISE,  Testu  do  polyphemus       .  n 

vi.     Common  SNAPPING  TURTLE,  Chelydra  serpentina       .  12 

Young  SNAPPING  TURTLE,  Chelydra  serpentina           .  12 

vii.     ALLIGATOR   SNAPPING  TURTLE,  Macrochelys  lacertina. 

Reaches  a  Weight  of  140  Pounds     .          .  13 
Head  of  the  ALLIGATOR  TURTLE,  Macrochelys  lacertina. 

Could  readily  amputate   a  man's  hand  or  foot  13 

viii.     Common  MUSK  TURTLE,  Aromochelys  odoratus  .         .  22 

Southern  MUSK  TURTLE,  Aromoclelys  tristycha.         .  22 

ix.     KEELED  MUSK  TURTLES,  Aromochdys  carinatus         .  23 

Common  MUD  TURTLE,  Cinosternum  pennsylvanicum  23 

x.     LOUISIANA  MUD  TURTLE,  Cinosternum  louisiance      .  26 

BANDED  MUD  TURTLE,   Cinosternum   bauri      .         .  26 

xxiii 


List  of  Half-tone  Illustrations 

PLATE  FACING   PAGE 

xi.    YELLOW-NECKED  MUD  TURTLE,  Cinosternum  flavescens  27 
ARIZONA    MUD    TURTLE,  Cinosternum  benrici.    Lar- 
gest of  the  North  American  Mud  Turtles     .         .  27 
xiii.     BELL'S  TERRAPIN,  Cbrysemys  belli           ...  34 
CHICKEN  TURTLE,  Cbrysemys  reticulata           .         .  34 
xiv.     Young  Specimens  of  PAINTED  TERRAPIN,   FLORIDA 
TERRAPIN,  LESUEUR'S  TERRAPIN,  and  WOOD  and 
SPOTTED  TURTLES      .         .         .         .         .      .  35 

xvi.     TROOST'S  TERRAPIN,  Cbrysemys  troosti.  Sold  Under 

the  General  Title  of  "Sliders"          ...  46 
Young  of  the  YELLOW-BELLIED  TERRAPIN,   Cbrys- 
emys scabra             ......  46 

xvii.     Young  FLORIDA  TERRAPIN,  Cbrysemys  floridana.     .  47 

FLORIDA  TERRAPIN,  Adult    .         .          ...  47 

xviii.     GEOGRAPHIC  TERRAPIN,  Malacodemmys  geograpbica.  50 

LESUEUR'S  TERRAPIN,  Malacodemmyslesueurii          .  50 

xix.     DIAMOND-BACK  TERRAPIN,  Malacodemmys  palustris  51 
WOOD  TURTLE,  Cbelopus  insculptus.     Protected  from 

Capture  in  New  York     .          .          .          .          -51 

xx.    SPOTTED  TURTLE,  Cbelopus  guttatus         ...  62 

MUHLENBERG'S  TURTLE,  Cbelopus  mubleriberv'i         .  62 
xxi.     BLANDING'S  TURTLE;  SEMI-BOX  TURTLE,  Emys  blan- 

dingii             .......  63 

PAINTED  Box  TURTLE,  Cistudo  ornata      ...  63 

Common  Box  TURTLE,  Cistudo  Carolina             .         .  63 

xxii.    THREE-TOED  Box  TURTLE,  Cistudo  triunguis    .         .  64 

BAUR'S  Box  TURTLE,  Cistudo  bauri          ...  64 

xxiii.     GopHERToRToiSE,  Testudo polyphemus    .                   .  65 

xxiv.     DESERT  TORTOISE,  Testudo  agassi%ii         ...  68 

Plastron  of  the  DESERT  TORTOISE                     .         .  68 

xxv.     BERLANDIER'S  TORTOISE,  Testudo  berlandieri  •        v  60 

Plastron  of  BERLANDIER'S  TORTOISE      ...  69 

xx vi.     Eggs  of  Trionyx  spintfer         .          .          .          .          .76 

Head  of  Trionyx  spinifer        .....  76 

Front  of  Carapace,    SPINY  SOFT-SHELLED  TURTLE, 

Trionyx  spinifer     ......  76 

Young    of   the   SOUTHERN   SOFT-SHELLED  TURTLE, 

Trionyx  ferox         ......  76 

xxiv 


List  of  Half-tone  Illustrations 


FACING   PAGE 


xxvii.  SOUTHERN  SOFT-SHELLED  TURTLE,  Trionyx  ferox  77 

BROWN  SOFT-SHELLED  TURTLE,  Trionyx  muticus  77 

xxviii.  SPINY  SOFT-SHELLED  TURTLE,  Trionyx  spinifer  80 

SPINY  SOFT-SHELLED  TURTLE,  From  Beneath  .  80 

PART  II:     THE  CROCODILIANS 

Order   CROCODILIA 
xxix.    THE  HOME  OF  THE  ALLIGATOR.     An  Inlet  of  the 

Savannah  River  .  .          .  81 

EGGS  OF  THE  ALLIGATOR  .  81 


PART  III:    THE  LIZARDS 
Order  LACERTILIA 

xxxi.     METHODS    OF     MEASURING     TURTLES,     SNAKES, 
LIZARDS,  AND  SERPENTS      .... 

xxxii.     SCALATION  OF  THE  HEAD.     Snake  and  Lizard 

xxxiii.     REEF  GECKO,    Sphcerodactylus  notatus.    The  Only 

True  Gecko  Found  in  the  United  States 
BANDED  GECKO,  Eublepharis  -variegatus 
AMERICAN  CHAMELEON,  Anolis  carolinensis  . 

xxxiv.     IGUANA,  Cydura  carinata   ..... 
DESERT  IGUANA,  Dipsosaurus  dorsalis 

xxxv.    CHUCKAWALLA,  Sauromalus  ater  .... 

xxxvi.     SAND  LIZARD,  Uma  notata  .... 

ZEBRA-TAILED  LIZARD,  Callisaurus  draconoides 
SPOTTED  LIZARD,  Holbrookia  maculata 

xxxviii.    STRUCTURAL  CHARACTERS   OF   NORTH   AMERICAN 
LIZARDS     ....... 

xxxix.     BREEDING  HABITS  OF  LIZARDS    .... 

xl.     STRUCTURAL  CHARACTERS  OF  NORTH  AMERICAN 
LIZARDS     ....... 

xli.    STRUCTURAL  CHARACTERS  OF  NORTH    AMERICAN 
LIZARDS     ....... 

xlii.    STRUCTURAL  CHARACTERS  OF  NORTH  AMERICAN 
LIZARDS     ....... 

xxv 


99 

I  10 

no 
no 

1 1 1 
1 1 1 

I  12 

113 

"3 

"3 

.16 
117 

118 
119 
124 


List  of  Half-tone  Illustrations 

PLATB  FACING  PAGE 

xliii.     STANSBURY'S  SWIFT,  Uta  stansburiana   .         .         .     125 
WHITE-BELLIED  SWIFT,  Uta  symmetrica  .          .     125 

CLARK'S  SWIFT,  Sceloporus  darkii  .         .         -125 

xliv.    COMMON  SWIFT;   FENCE   LIZARD,  Sceloporus  undu.- 
latus.     SPINY   SWIFT;    TEXAS    SWIFT,   Scelop- 
orus spinosus         .          .          .          .          .          .128 

PACIFIC  SWIFT,  Sceloporus  undulatus  occidentalis  '  .     128 
BANDED  SWIFT,  Sceloporus  undulatus  consobrinus    .      128 

xlv.     WESTERN  SWIFT,  Sceloporus  biseriatus    .         .         .129 
COLLARED  SWIFT,    Sceloporus    torquatus   poinsettii. 

The  Finest  Species  of  its  Genus.      .          .          .129 

xlvi.     HEADS  OF  HORNED  LIZARDS,  Pbrynosoma        .         .     144 

xlvii.     DOUGLASS'S     HORNED     LIZARD,  Pbrynosoma  doug- 

lassii    ........      145 

PAINTED    HORNED    LIZARD,    P.    douglassii    orna- 

tissimum  .         .         .         .         .         .         145 

HERNANDEZ'S     HORNED     LIZARD,    P.    douglassii 

bernandesi     .         .         .         .         .         .         -145 

xlviii.     DITMARS'S  HORNED  LIZARD,  Phrynosoma  diimarsii  .     148 
MEXICAN  HORNED  LIZARD,  Pbrynosoma  orbiculare   .      148 

x  ix.     REGAL  HORNED  LIZARD,  Pbrynosoma  regale    .         .     149 
PACIFIC  HORNED  LIZAR-),  Phrynosoma  coronatum     .      149 

1.  TEXAS  HORNED  LIZARD,  Pbrynosoma  cornutum. 
Commonest  and  Most  Widely  Distributed  of 
the  Horned  Lizards.  ...  .156 

ASHY  HORNED  LIZARD,  Phrynosoma  calidiarum          .     1 56 
li.     KEELED  LIZARD,  Gerrhonotus  muHicarinatus  '57 

LONG-TAILED    EXAMPLE    OF  THE  KEELED  LIZARD,  ^ 

Gerrhonotus  multicarinatus  .          .         157 

Hi.     BROWN  LIZARD,  Gerrhonotus  liocephahts  .         .     160 

KING'S    LIZARD,    Gerrhonotus    kingii.     The   Most 

Brightly  Coloured  Member  of  its  Genus.  .     160 

liii.     PLATED  LIZARD,  Gerrbonotus  imbricatus  .         .  i6j 

GLASS  "SNAKE,"  Opbisaurus  ventralis    .  16 

xxvi 


List  of  Half-tone  Illustrations 

PLATE  FACING  PAGE 

Iv.    SIX-LINED    LIZARD;   RACERUNNER,   Cnemidophorus 
sexlineatus.    The  Smallest  Species  of  a  Genus 
Remarkable  for  the  Activity  of  its  Members     .      188 
SPOTTED     RACERUNNER,     Cnemidophorus      gularis     188 
TESSELATED  LIZARD;    WHIP-TAIL,     Cnemidopborus 

tessellatus  .          .          .          .          .          .          .188 

Ivi.    TWO-FOOTED     WORM    LIZARD,    Bipes     caniculalus 
Worm-like  and  Practically    Blind.     A  Degen- 
erate Burrowing  Lizard  ....      189 

FLORIDA  WORM  LIZARD,  Rhineura  ftoridana     .          .189 
Ivii.     FIVE-LINED    SKINK;    "SCORPIAN,"    Eumeces    quin- 

quelineatus    .          .          .          .          .          .          .194 

SKILTON'S  SKINK,  Eumeces  skiltonianus  .         .     194 

Iviii.     FLORIDA  SKINK,  Eumeces  egregius  .         .         .     195 

GROUND  LIZARD,  Lygosoma  laterals         .  .     195 

PART  IV:     THE  SNAKES 

Order  OPHIDIA 

lix.     EGGS  OF  NORTH  AMERICAN  SERPENTS    .         .         .     206 
Ix.     BREEDING  HABITS  OF  SNAKES       ....     207 

Ixi.     BREEDING  HABITS  OF  SNAKES.     FRESHLY  HATCHED 

EXAMPLES  OF  OVIPAROUS  SERPENTS         .         .     208 

Ixii.     BREEDING  HABITS  OF  SNAKES        ....     209 
Ixiii.     BLIND  SNAKES     .......     210 

Ixiv.  HEAD  OF  THREE-LINED  BOA,  Lichanura  trivirgata  .  211 
HEAD  AND  UNDER  PART  OF  TAIL  OF  THE  RUBBER 

BOA,  Cbarina  bottce         .          .          .          .          .     211 
RUBBER  BOA,  Charina. bottce  .          .  .211 

Ixv.     BREEDING  HABITS  OF  SNAKES        .  .          .     222 

Ixvi.     STUDIES  OF  HEADS.     Genus  Eutcenia      .  .     223 

Ixvii.  RIBBON  SNAKE,  Eutcenia  saurita  ....  224 
SOUTHERN  RIBBON  SNAKE,  Eutcenia  sackeni  .  .  224 
WESTERN  RIBBON  SNAKE,  Eutcenia  proxima  .  .  224 

Ixviii.     PLAINS  GARTER  SNAKE,  Eutcenia  radix  .         .         .     225 
BUTLER'S  GARTER  SNAKE,  Eutcenia  butleri      .         .     225 
xxvii 


List  of  Half-tone  Illustrations 

PLATB  FACING   PAGE 

Ixix.    WESTERN  GARTER  SNAKE,  Eutcenia  elegans   .         .     228 
ONE-STRIPED  GARTERSNAKE,  Eutcenia  elegans;  phase 

infernalis    .......     228 

Ixx.     GRAY  GARTER  SNAKE,  Eutcenia  elegans  vagrans      .     229 
MARCY'S  GARTER  SNAKE,  Eutcenia  elegans  marciana    229 

Ixxi.     BROWN  GARTER  SNAKE,  Eutcenia  eques          .         .     236 
Phases  of  the  COMMON  GARTER  SNAKE,  Eutcenia 

sirtalis       .         .  .  .         .     236 

Ixxii.     RED-BARRED  GARTER  SNAKE,  Eutcenia  sirtalis  pari- 

etalis  .......     237 

PICKERING'S  GARTER  SNAKE,  Eutcenia  sirtalis  pick- 

eringii.     This  is  the  blackest  of  the  varieties     237 
of  E.  sirtalis        ...... 

SPOTTED  GARTER  SNAKE,  Eutcenia  sirtalis  ordinata     237 
Ixxiii.     HEADS  OF  THE  WATER  SNAKES.  Tropidonotusleberis, 
Ohio.  Tropidonotus  fasciatus,  Florida;     Tropi- 
donotus  grahami,  Missouri;     Tropidonotus  tax- 
ispilotus,     Georgia;     Tropidonotus    rhombifer, 
Illinois;    Tropidonotus  validus,  Mexico:    Semi- 
natrix  pygcea,  Florida   .....     240 

Ixxiv.    QUEEN  SNAKE,  Tropidonotus  leberis.     (Young)     .     241 

QUEEN  SNAKE,   Tropidonotus  leberis.     (Adult)        .     241 

GRAHAM'S   WATER  SNAKE,  Tropidonotus  grabami    241 

Ixxv.     BANDED    WATER    SNAKE,   Tropidonotus    fasciatus    244 

RED-BELLIED  WATER  SNAKE, Tropidonotus  fasciatus 

erytbrogaster.        ...  .          .     244 

Ixxvi.     COMMON  WATER    SNAKE,    Tropidonotus    fasciatus 

sipedon        .......     245 

BLOTCHED  WATER  SNAKE,   Tropidonotus  fasciatus 

transversus  .          .       •  .          .          .          .          .     245 

Ixxvii.     FLAT-TAILED  WATER  SNAKE,  Tropidonotus  compr&ssi- 

caudus        .         .         .         .         .         .         .     252 

DIAMOND-BACK  WATER  SNAKE, Tropidonotus  rbomb- 

ifer    ........     252 

Ixxviii.    GREEN    WATER   SNAKE,    Tropidonotus   cydopium    253 
BROWN  WATER  SNAKE,    Tropidonotus  taxispilotus. 
Largest  of  the  North  American  Water  Snakes, 
Reaching  a  Length  of  Five  Feet  .         .         .     253 
xxviii 


List  of  Half-tone  Illustrations 


PLATE 

Ixxix.    THE  HOME  OF  THE  BLACKSNAKE 

WHERE  THE  WATER  SNAKES  BASK    . 
Ixxx.     KIRTLAND'S  WATER  SNAKE,  Clonopbis  kirtlandi 

STRIPED  SWAMP  SNAKE,  Tropidodonium  lineatum 
Ixxxi.     BLACK  SWAMP  SNAKE,  Seminatrix  pygcea    . 

ALLEN'S  SNAKE,  Liodytes  alleni  .... 

Ixxxii.     HEADS  OF  MISCELLANEOUS  SMALL  SERPENTS 
Ixxxiii.     DEKAY'S  SNAKE,  Storeria  dekayi. 

STORER'S  SNAKE;  RED-BELLIED  SNAKE.    Storeria 
occipitomaculata  ..... 

Ixxxiv.     BROWN  SNAKE,  Haldea  striatula 

VALERIA'S  SNAKE,  Virginia  valerice    . 
Ixxxv.     HEADS  OF  NORTH  AMERICAN  RACERS 
Ixxxvi.     HEADS  OF  NORTH  AMERICAN  RACERS 
Ixxxyii.     INDIGO  SNAKE,    Spilotes     corais     couperi.    The 
Largest  Serpent  of  the  Eastern  United  States, 
Attaining  a  Length  of  9  Feet 
CRIBO,  Spilotes  corais  melanurus 

Ixxxviii.     YOUNG  OF  THE  COMMON  RACER,  Zamenis  con- 
strictor     ....... 

BLACKSNAKE;  RACER,  Zamenis  constrictor.    Adult 
—Northern  Phase      ..... 

Ixxxix.     B LACKSNAKE  ;  RACER,  Zamenis  constrictor — South- 
ern Phase  ...... 

BLUE  RACER,  Zamenis  constrictor  ftaviventris 
xc.    COACHWHIP  SNAKE,  Zamenis  flagelliformis  . 

STRIPED  RACER;  WHIP-SNAKE,  Zamenis  tceniatus 
xci.     FLAT-NOSED  SNAKE,  Salvidora  grdhamice     . 

Fox  SNAKE,  Coluber  vulpinus  .... 

xcii.     HEADS  OF  NORTH  AMERICAN  COLUBERS 
xciii.     PILOT  BLACKSNAKE,  Coluber  obsoletus 

BLOTCHED    CHICKEN     SNAKE,    Coluber    obsoletus 
confinis     ....... 

xciv.     YELLOW    CHICKEN    SNAKE;  FOUR-BANDED  COL- 
UBER, Coluber  obsoletus  quadrivittatus — Adult 
EGGS  OF  FOUR-BANDED  COLUBER,  Coluber  obso- 
letus quadrivittatus       ..... 

YOUNG  OF  THE  FOUR-BANDED  COLUBER   . 
xxix 


FACING  PAGE 


256 
256 

257 
257 
260 

260 
26l 
268 

268 
269 
269 
274 

275 


286 
286 

287 
287 

29O 
29O 
291 
291 

294 
294 

295 

298 

298 
299 

299 
299 


List  of  Half-tone  Illustrations 

PLATE  FACING  PAGE 

xcv.  EMORY'S  COLUBER,  Coluber  emoryi.  A  Powerful 
Example  of  the  Useful,  Rat-eating  Snakes- 
Genus  Coluber  ....  .300 

xcvi.    CORN  SNAKE,  Coluber  guttatus       .         .         .         .301 

SMOOTH-SCALED  COLUBER,  Rhinechis  elegans        .  301 

xcvii.     HEADS    OF    SMOOTH-SCALED    COLUBER,    Rhinechis 

elegans,  Arizona             .....  304 

PINE  SNAKE,    Pituopbis  melanoleucus,  New  Jersey 

Phase.          .......  304 

PINE  SNAKE,  Pituophis  melanoleucus.  Florida  Phase.  304 

BULL  SNAKE,  Pituophis  catenifer.  California.           .  304 

xcviii.     COMMON  PINE  SNAKE,  Pituophis  melanoleucus       .  305 
PINE     SNAKE,    Pituophis    melanoleucus — Southern 

Phase                                                           .          :  305 

xcix.     COMMON  BULL  SNAKE,  Pituophis  sayi.  Largest  of  the 

North  American  Serpents.      .          .                   .  320 

PACIFIC  BULL  SNAKE,  Pituophis  catenifer        .         .  320 

c.     KEELED  GREEN  SNAKE,  Cydophis  cestivus         .        .  321 

SMOOTH-SCALED   GREEN   SNAKE,  Liopeltis  vernalis  321 

ci.  ROCK  SNAKE,  Hypsiglena  ochrorhyncha  .  .  322 

PACIFIC  BROWN  SNAKE,  Contia  mitis  .  .  .  322 

cii.  EASTERN  RING-NECKED  SNAKE,  Diadophis  punctatus  323 

WESTERN  RING-NECKED  SNAKE,  Diadophis  amabilis  323 

ciii.     HEADS  OF  MILK  SNAKE,  Ophibolus  doliatus  triangulus, 

New  York            ......  334 

RED  MILK  SNAKE,  0.  d.  clericus,  Virginia        .          .  334 
BROWN       KING     SNAKE,       O.      rhombomaculatus, 

Virginia                                                       .    %    .  334 
COMMON  KING  SNAKE,  O.  getulus,  Florida       .         .  334 
BOYLE'S  KING   SNAKE,    O.    getulus     boylii,     Cali- 
fornia.        .......  334 

ARIZONA  KING  SNAKE,  0.  fonatus,  Arizona  .          .  334 

civ.     BROWN  KING  SNAKE,  Ophibolus  rhombomaculatus. 

(Young  Adult)      .                             .          .          .  335 

BROWN   KING    SNAKE,  Ophibolus  rhombomaculatus  335 
xxx 


List  of  Half-tone  Illustrations 

PLATE  FACING   PAGE 

cvi.     RINGED  SNAKE,  Ophibolus  doliatus  gentilis.     From 

Nebraska     .......  340 

MEXICAN    RINGED    SNAKE,  Ophibolus    micropholis  340 
(Old  Example).     Adult  Examples  are   a  Rich, 
Golden-brown,   with    Obscure,   Darker    Brown 
Blotches.      The  Food  Consists  Mostly  of  Small 

Birds  and  Rodents    .          .          .      .          .         .  340 

cvii.    ARIZONA  KING  SNAKE;   RINGED  SNAKE,  Ophibolus 

^onatus.     From  Arizona          .          .          .         .  341 

ARIZONA  RINGED  SNAKE;  KING  SNAKE,  Ophibolus 

fonatus.     From  California       .          .          .          -34' 
SAY'S  KING  SNAKE,  Ophibolus  getulus  sayi      .         .  341 
cviii.    COMMON  KING  SNAKE;  CHAIN  SNAKE,  Ophibolus  get- 
ulus.    A  notoriously  cannibalistic  reptile         .  348 
BOYLE'S  KING  SNAKE,  Ophibolus  getulus  boylii         .  348 
cix.     HEADS    OF   MISCELLANEOUS    HARMLESS    SERPENTS  349 
ex.     RAINBOW  SNAKE,  Abaslor  erythrogrammus       .         .  368 
RED-BELLIED  SNAKE,  Paranoia  abacura  ,         .         .  368 
cxi.     WORM  SNAKE,  Carphophis  amcenus          .         .         .  369 
SCARLET  SNAKE,  Cemophora  coccinea      .         .         .  369 
LECONTE'S  SNAKE,  Rbinocbilus  lecontei            .         .  369 
cxii.     HEADS  OF  THE  HOG-NOSED  SNAKES        .         .         .  376 
cxiii.     COMMON  HOG-NOSED  SNAKE,  Heterodon  platyrhinus  377 
RL\CK\-[oG-'NOSEDSNA.KE,Heterodonplatyrhinus  niger  377 
cxiv.     SOUTHERN  HOG-NOSED  SNAKE,  Heterodon  simus         .  384 
cxv.     WESTERN  HOG-NOSED  SNAKE,  Heterodon  nasicus      .  385 
cxvi.    CROWNED  SNAKE,  Tantilla  coronata         .                   .  400 
MITER  SNAKE,  Tantilla  gracilis       ....  400 

cxvii.     ANNULATED  SNAKE,  Sibon  septentrionale          .         .  401 

HEAD  OF  HARLEQUIN  SNAKE,  Elaps  fulvius     .         .  401 

HEAD  OF  SONORA  CORAL  SNAKE,  E.  euryxanthus      .  401 

cxix.     HEADS  OF  SERPENTS     .          .          .          .          .          .416 

cxx.     HEAD  OF  RATTLESNAKE         .....  417 

SKULL  OF  A  PIT  VIPER,  SHOWING  DEVELOPING  FANGS  417 
cxxi.    COPPERHEAD  SNAKE,  Ancistrodon   contortrix — (Com- 
mon Phase)            .          .          .          .          .          .418 

COPPERHEAD  SNAKE,  Ancistrodon  contortrix— (Texas 

Phase)  .  .418 

xxxi 


List  of  Half-tone  Illustrations 


PLATE  FACING    PAGE 

cxxii.     HEADS  OF  COPPERHEAD  SNAKE  AND  WATER  MOC- 
CASIN.    From  Top  and  Side 
WATER  MOCCASIN;  "COTTON-MOUTH"  SNAKE,  An- 
cistrodon  piscivorus      ..... 

cxxiii.    A  COPPERHEAD  "DEN"      ..... 

HOME  OF  THE  WATER  MOCCASIN.    A  Bayou  in 
the  Georgia  Lowgrounds      .... 

cxxiv.     PLATES  UNDER  TAILS  OF  POISONOUS  AND  HARM- 
LESS SNAKES      ...... 

DIFFERENT  STAGES  OF  THE  RATTLE   . 
LONGITUDINAL  SECTION  OF  THE  RATTLE 
cxxv.     HEADS  OF  DWARF  RATTLESNAKES 
cxxvi.     PIGMY  RATTLESNAKE,  Sistrurus  miliarius 

MASSASAUGA,  Sistrurus  catenatus 
cxxvii.    A  RATTLESNAKE  "DEN"    ..... 

A  HAUNT  OF  THE  DIAMOND  RATTLESNAKE   . 
cxxviii.    TIMBER  RATTLESNAKE  AND  NEWLY  BORN  LITTER 
cxxix.     HEADS  OF  NORTH  AMERICAN  RATTLESNAKES 
cxxx.    HEADS  OF  NORTH  AMERICAN  RATTLESNAKES 
cxxxi.     TIMBER  RATTLESNAKE,  Crotalus  horridus.  Yellow 
Phase         ....... 

TIMBER  RATTLESNAKE,  Crotalus    borridus.   Black 
Phase        ....... 

cxxxii.    WESTERN  DIAMOND  RATTLESNAKE,  Crotalus  atrox 

RED    DIAMOND     RATTLESNAKE,     Crotalus    atrox 

ruber          ....... 

cxxxiii.    MOUNTAIN  DIAMOND  RATTLESNAKE,  Crotalus  atrox 
— Phase  scutulatus       ..... 

BLACK-TAILED  RATTLESNAKE,    Crotalus   molossus 
cxxxiv.     PRAIRIE  RATTLESNAKE,  Crotalus  confluentus  . 

PACIFIC  RATTLESNAKE,  Crotalus  oregonus 
cxxxv.     HORNED  RATTLESNAKE,  Crotalus  cerastes    . 

HEAD  OF  THE  HORNED  RATTLESNAKE 
cxxxvi.     GREEN  RATTLESNAKE,  Crotalus  lepidus 
PRICE'S  RATTLESNAKE,  Crotalus  -pricei 


419 

419 
422 

422 

423 
423 
423 

426 

427 
427 
430 
430 

43' 
438 

439 
442 

442 
443 

443 

452 
452 

"453 
453 
460 
460 
461 
461 


XXXH 


PART    I.  v/,: 

THE  TURTLES  AND  TORTOISES' 
Order  CHELONIA 


CHAPTER  I :   CLASSIFICATION   OF  TH£  NOR'fH 
AMERICAN  TORTOISES  AND  TURTLES 

THE  North  American  Chelonia  is  composed  of  Tortoises, 
Turtles  and  Terrapins.  The  two  latter  names  are  employed 
rather  indiscriminately  in  different  portions  of  this  country, 
but  the  appellation — Terrapin,  is  generally  applied  to  the  hard- 
shelled,  fresh-water  species  that  are  edible  and  consequently 
have  a  market  value.  The  Tortoises  are  strictly  terrestrial 
Chelonians. 

Following  is  a  classified  arrangement  of  the  families  and 
genera : 

Order  CHELONIA 

NORTH 
SUBORDER  FAMILY  GENUS  AMERICAN  SPECIES 

Athecse      ]  SPHARGIDAE  ]  Sphargis i  Species  Marine 

(     (Leather  Turtles)          ( 
C  r 

CHELYDRIOE  )  Chelydra i        "  Fresh- water 

(Snapping  Turtles)       \Macrockdy3 i 

CINOSTERNIDAE        \Cinosternum 6        " 

(Musk  or  Mud  Turtles)  (  Aromochelys 3 

C  Chrysemys 15        "  " 

I  Malacoclemmys. .   6        "  Fresh; brack 
Thecophora  •{  TESTUDINIM:  J  Chelopus 4  ish  water 

(Fresh-water  Turtles;      ^istud '          '«   ^^^ 

the  Tortoises)  \  Testi  d   ^          "       err(estrial 

CHELONID^  \Ckelonia.      2        "Marine 

(Sea  Turtles)  \Thalassochdys...    2 

TRION-YCHHXE  [    Trionyx 4        "  Fresh-water 

(Soft-shelled  Turtles)   ( 
Total  number  of  Species:  44. 


CHAPTER  II:  THE  SEA  TURTLES 

Largest  of  the  Chelonians.     These  Strictly  Aquatic  Reptiles  may  be 
Recognised  by  their  Seal-like  Flippers 

All  of  the  tropical  and  semi-tropical  seas  of  the  globe  are 
inhabited  by  huge  turtles,  but  with  this  great  distribution,  we 
find  a  peculiar  condition  relating  to  the  number  of  species.  Over 
these  vast  stretches  of  ocean,  stupenduously  rich  in  their  variety 
of  life — invertebrates,  fishes,  a  large  number  of  marine  serpents, 
innumerable  birds  and  many  mammals — the  chelonians  are 
limited  to  five  species  ;  with  the  exception  of  one,  each  spe- 
cies occurs  in  the  warmer  waters  of  both  the  Old  and  the 
New  World;  thus  a  list  of  the  North  American  reptiles  must 
include  those  marine  turtles  that  are  found  in  the  vicinity  of 
our  coasts. 

While  normally  inhabiting  the  waters  of  the  warmer  lati- 
tudes, the  sea  turtles  are  often  enticed  northward,  along  our 
eastern  coast,  by  the  mild  currents  of  the  Gulf  Stream;  during 
the  mid-summer  months  they  enter  the  northern  harbours  and 
live  comfortably  enough,  but  during  the  approach  of  cold  weather 
these  wanderers  become  chilled  and  stupefied,  and  fall  an  easy 
prey  to  fishermen.  Benumbed  during  the  fall  hurricanes,  they 
are  battered  and  cast  lifeless  upon  the  beaches  of  Long  Island, 
Connecticut  and  Massachusetts,  and  by  the  very  storms  that 
originated  over  their  native  seas.  Most  of  the  big  Leather- 
back  Turtles  in  our  northern  museums,  have  met  a  fate  like 
this. 

Classification. — The  marine  turtles  are  divided  into  two 
families.  From  a  standpoint  of  relationship,  these  families 
are  widely  separated;  the  classified  list  of  the  families  and  genera 
of  North  American  turtles  and  tortoises,  in  the  preceding 
pages,  will  show  the  proper  standing  of  these  reptiles.  The 
Leather-back  Turtle,  (Sphargis),  seems  to  be  the  survivor 
of  an  extinct  group,  and  must  be  placed  in  a  family  by 
itself,  while  the  Loggerheads,  the  Green  Turtle  and  the 

4 


The  Sea  Turtles 

Hawk's-bill  Turtle  are  examples  of  evolution  from  the 
modern,  fresh-water  chelonians;  development  along  the  line  of 
adaptation  to  a  strictly  marine  life  has  produced  a  highly  spe- 
cialised form,  but  the  shielded  carapace  and  plastron,  and  other 
parts  of  the  structure,  show  close  relationship  with  the  Tes- 
tudinida?.  Thus  the  student  will  appreciate  that  the  family 
Sphargidce — one  species,  and  the  Chelonida — four  species,  are  not 
alone  widely  separated  in  classification,  but  appeal  to  one  an- 
other only  in  a  form  that  is  essential  to  the  life  the  species  lead. 
With  this  understood,  it  is  not  inappropriate  to  embrace  all  the 
sea  turtles  in  a  chapter  by  themselves.  This  arrangement 
popularises  the  subject  and  makes  it  possible  to  construct  a 
general  key. 

KEY  TO  THE  SEA  TURTLES 

General:     Limbs  long,  flat  and  paddle-like — Flippers. 

A.  Carapace    with    seven,    heavy    keels,    running    length- 

wise; covered  with   a   leathery  integument  in  place 

of  shields. 

Uniform  dark  brown,  or  black. 

LEATHER-BACK    TURTLE,'    TRUNK    TURTLE,  Sphargis  CoridCea. 

B.  Carapace   covered  with  smooth  shields,  which  do  not 

overlap. 

*Front  flippers  with  two  claws. 
Head  very  large.     Carapace  uniform   brown  or  black. 

Alveolar  (crushing)  surfaces  of  jaws  without  ridges — 

under  horny  sheaths. 

LOGGERHEAD  TURTLE,  Thalassochelys  caretta. 

Head  very  large.     Carapace  dark  brown  or  black.     Al- 
veolar (crushing)  surfaces  of  jaws  with  ridges — under 
horny  sheaths. 
KEMP'S  LOGGERHEAD  TURTLE,  Thalassocbelys  kempii. 

**Front  flippers  with  one  claw. 

Head    of    moderate    size.     Carapace    olive    or    brown, 
mottled  with  yellow. 

GREEN  TURTLE,  Chelonia  mydas. 

C.  Carapace    covered    with    smooth,    loosely-overlapping 

shields. 

Upper  mandible  beak-like.     Carapace  brown  or  black, 

mottled  with  j^ellow. 

M|^K'S-BILL  TURTLE,  Chelonia  imbricata. 


The  Sea  Turtles 

The  Family  Spbargidas. — Composed  of  a  single  genus  and 
one  species — the  largest  of  the  chelonians,  which  attains  a  weight 
of  1,000  pounds. 

THE  LEATHERBACK  TURTLE;  TRUNK  TURTLE; 
HARP  TURTLE;  LUTH 

Spbargis  coriacea,  (Linn.) 

Told  from  the  other  sea  turtles  taken  off  our  coasts,  by  the 
heavy,  ridge-like  processes,  seven  in  number,  running  lengthwise 
on  the  carapace.  Instead  of  the  horny  shields  usually  present 
on  turtles,  the  carapace  is  covered  with  a  leathery  integument; 
on  large  individuals,  this  soft  covering  is  fully  an  inch  in  thick- 
ness and  saturated  with  oil,  like  whale  blubber.  The  front 
flippers  are  enormous;  like  the  rear  pair  and  the  head,  they 
lack  the  coarse  plates  of  the  other  marine  turtles. 

Colouration. — Dark  brown,  generally  uniform,  but  some- 
times spotted  with  yellow.  Very  large  individuals  are  often 
blackish. 

Dimensions. — The  Leather-back  Turtle  is  the  largest  of 
living  chelonians.  Following  are  the  measurements  of  a  fine 
example  received  at  the  American  Museum  of  Natural  History; 
it  was  harpooned,  while  floundering,  in  a  benumbed  condition, 
off  the  beach  of  New  London,  Connecticut: 

Total  length,  snout  to  end  of  tail  6  feet 

Length  of  Carapace 5        i  inch 

Width  of  Carapace 3     "  i 

Width  of  Front  Flipper i     "2 

Stretch  of  Front  Flippers,  tip  to  tip 9     " 

Diameter  of  Head 10 

Weight 715  pounds. 

Distribution. — Generally  distributed  in  tropical  and  semi- 
tropical  seas,  but  nowhere  common;  an  accidental  Wanderer 
to  the  temperate  coasts. 

Habits. — Approaching  the  beaches  only  to  deposit  its  eggs, 
this  sea  giant  does  not  seem  to  differ  in  its  habits  from  the  other 
marine  turtles.  It  apparently  subsists  upon  sea-weeds,  crus- 
taceans, molluscs,  and  fishes — if  it  is  able  to  catch  the  latter. 
Agassiz  explains  that  it  breeds  every  year,  in  the  spring,  on 
the  Tortugas,  the  Bahamas  and  along-the  Brazilian  coast.  In 

6 


THE  REPTILE  BOOK 


TRUNK  TURTLE,  Sphargis  coriacea 

Largest  of  the  marine  turtles.     It  attains  a  weight  of  1,000  pounds.     The  shell  is  covered  with  a  leathery  integument 
Occurs  sparingly  in  all  tropical  and  semi-tropical  seas 


LOGGERHEAD  TURTLE,  Thalassochelys  caretta  , 


LOGGERHEAD  TURTLE,  Tlialassoclielys  caretta  (v,      ^          -,,.,.,     »»,  •> 

Sometimes  confused  with  the  Green  Turtle,  but  distinguished  by  the  proportionately  much  laYger  hsa,d.;   It^Gesh'is  yf- cgnric' 
less  value  than  that  of  the  other  species.     Found  in  all  of  the  warmer ^t'a^  '  >  ^   - 


THE  REPTILE  BOOK 


PLATE  III 


GREEN  TURTLE,  Chdonia  mydas 

Esteemed  as  an  article  of  diet  and  well  known  in  the  markets.     Receives  its  name  from  the  greenish  hue  of  the  fat.     Large  example 

weigh  800  pounds.     Inhabits  all  the  warmer  seas 


HAWK'S-BILL  TURTLE,  Chdonia  imbricata 


.  from  this  :;ptcie3  'K  obtained  th,e  valuable  ' 'tortoise  shell."     It  is  the  smallest  of  the  marine  ti'rt 
;    ;  '^hemropheres.     Easily  recognised  by  the  overlapping  shields 


rtles.     Found  in  the  warm  seas  of  both 


The  Sea  Turtles 

swimming  it  is  very  graceful  and  the  massive  flippers  are  em- 
ployed  in   seal-like  fashion. 

The  Family  Chelonida:  Composed  of  two  genera,  each 
containing  two  species.  Detailed  descriptions  follow: 

THE    LOGGERHEAD   TURTLE 

Thalassocbelys  caretta,  (Linn.) 

Carapace  thick  and  heavy,  covered  with  large,  smooth 
shields,  as  is  the  plastron.  Head  very  large,  plated;  flippers 
plated,  the  front  pair  usually  with  two  nails. 

The  Loggerhead  might  possibly  be  confused  with  the  Green 
Turtle,  owing  to  the  similarity  of  the  shells,  but  the  larger  head 
of  the  former,  the  two  nails  on  the  front  flipper  and  the  almost 
uniform  hue  of  the  carapace,  are  strong  characteristics. 

Colouration. — Carapace  dull,  uniform  brown;  plastron  dull 
yellow. 

Dimensions. — The  largest  example  examined  by  the  writer 
had  a  carapace  3  feet,  2  inches  long;  the  animal  tipped  the 
scales  at  303  pounds.  Records  of  larger  specimens  are  not  rare. 

Distribution. — Tropical  and  semi-tropical  seas  of  both 
hemispheres;  an  accidental  wanderer  along  the  Northern  coasts. 

Habits. — Many  of  these  turtles  lay  their  eggs  along  the 
Florida  coast.  The  female  scoops  a  hole  in  the  sand,  deposits 
the  eggs  therein  and  shovels  the  sand  back  over  them;  she  then 
retires  to  the  sea,  paying  no  more  attention  to  them.  These 
are  the  only  times — in  May  and  early  in  June,  along  our  shores 
— that  the  adult  turtle  leaves  the  water;  the  eggs  are  deposited 
above  tide-line.  Six  to  eight  weeks  cover  the  period  of  incuba- 
tion, and  as  the  young  turtles  hatch  they  at  once  seek  the  water. 
Their  progress  is  seldom  toward  the  open  sea,  for  they  have 
little  power  to  battle  with  the  surf.  They  seek  shallow  inlets 
and  here  find  partial  protection  from  their  many  enemies  in 
the  shape  of  the  larger  fish  and  the  sea  birds.  While  very  young, 
their  flippers  are  wing-like  in  motions;  as  the  young  reptile  tires 
they  are  folded  against  the  upper  portion  of  the  carapace,  in 
much  the  same  manner  as  a  bird  tucks  back  its  wings.  (See 
accompanying  illustration).  The  number  of  eggs  deposited 
is  enormous;  it  varies  from  fifty  to  a  thousand,  according  to 
the  size  and  the  age  of  the  female. 


The  Sea  Turtles 

Commercially,  the  Loggerhead  is  of  much  less  value  than 
the  Green  Turtle,  yet  it  is  often  seen  in  the  markets.  A  steak 
from  one  of  these  creatures  looks  much  like  beef. 

KEMP'S  LOGGERHEAD  TURTLE 

Tbalassocbelys  kempii,  (Garman) 

Structurally,  this  turtle  is  explained  to  differ  from  the 
preceding  by  the  presence  of  ridges  on  the  alveolar  (crushing) 
surfaces  of  the  jaws  (beneath  the  horny  coverings),  which  de- 
velopment closely  approaches  that  of  the  Hawk's-bill  Turtle; 
the  bony,  alveolar  processes  do  not  overlap  the  inner  nostrils. 
Distribution. — Recorded  from  the  Gulf  of  Mexico. 

THE  GREEN  TURTLE 

Cbelonia  my  das,  (Linn.) 

Very  large  examples  weigh   500  pounds,  but  such  are  rare. 

Head  proportionately  much  smaller  than  that  of  the  Logger- 
head Turtle.  Carapace  with  smooth  shields — polished  on  old 
individuals.  Head  and  limbs  plated.  Front  flippers  usually 
with  a  single  claw. 

Colouration. — Carapace  pale  olive,  richly  marbled  with 
yellow;  the  markings  are  often  in  the  shape  of  bands,  radiating 
from  the  centres  of  the  shields.  Plastron  yellow.  Head  plates 
dull  brown  or  olive,  vividly  margined  with  white. 

This  attractive  animal  derives  its  name  from  the  greenish 
colour  of  the  fat;  the  markings  somewhat  resemble  those  of 
the  Hawk's-bill  Turtle,  but  that  animal  is  unique  in  the  shingle- 
like  arrangement  of  the  shields  of  the  carapace. 

Dimensions. — A  very  large  individual  will  have  a  carapace 
four  feet  long  and  will  weigh  about  500  pounds.  This  is  much 
in  excess  of  the  thousands  of  turtles  sent  to  the  markets;  such 
range  in  weight  from  50  to  70  pounds;  occasional  hundred- 
pound  specimens  are  seen  in  the  rows  of  helpless  animals  turned 
upon  their  backs. 

Distribution. — Tropical  and  semi-tropical  seas  throughout 
the  world;  a  frequent  wanderer  into  the  waters  along  our  Northern 
coasts. 

Habits. — The  practice,  in  the  markets,  of  turning  these 
animals  over  on  their  backs,  is  a  necessary  one.  As  the  turtle 

8 


The  Sea  Turtles 

is  adapted  to  a  life  in  the  water,  the  plastron  is  soft  and  unsup- 
ported; when  placed  upon  it,  the  weight  of  the  reptile  so  presses 
against  the  under  shell  that  it  is  forced  against  the  lungs  and 
other  internal  organs;  the  turtle  soon  dies  from  an  inability  to 
breathe. 

From  a  lot  of  turtles  that  had  been  shipped  north  and  were 
lying  upon  their  backs  for  fully  a  week,  the  writer  selected  a 
specimen  weighing  forty-five  pounds  and  placed  it  in  a  large 
tank  containing  manufactured  salt  water — enough  salt  added 
to  fresh  water  to  give  it  a  brackish  taste.  On  the  second  day 
in  the  tank  the  turtle  began  feeding,  greedily  taking  large  pieces 
of  raw  fish ;  it  also  ate  the  commoner  kinds  of  sea-weed.  Under 
these  conditions  it  lived  for  nearly  two  years  and  would  have 
thrived  longer  had  it  not  been  attacked  by  a  small  crocodile. 
The  tank  was  ten  feet  long  and  eight  feet  wide  and  the  animal 
swam  about  freely  and  gracefully;  its  deliberate  motions,  slow 
turns,  the  occasional  stroke  of  the  flippers  and  slow,  gliding 
progress,  were  movements  strikingly  suggestive  of  the  leisurely 
flight  of  a  hawk  or  a  turkey  buzzard.  The  reptile  seldom  crawled 
upon  the  bottom  of  the  tank,  but  skimmed  over  the  gravel  by 
a  few  inches;  occasionally  it  came  to  the  top,  when  it  would 
expel  the  air  in  its  lungs  with  a  sharp  hiss;  the  intake  of  air 
was  more  leisurely. 

Of  the  sea  turtles,  the  flesh  of  this  species  is  most  esteemed. 
The  shell  is  smooth,  brightly  marked  and  attractive,  but  of 
practically  no  commercial  value. 

THE   HAWK'S-BILL  TURTLE 

Chelonia  inibricata,  (Linn.) 

Distinguished  from  the  other  sea  turtles  by  the  loosely- 
overlapping  (imbricate)  shields  of  the  carapace.  The  structure 
of  the  shields  on  the  plastron  is  like  that  of  the  Green  Turtle. 
Head,  limbs  and  flippers  covered  with  shields;  head  elongated, 
the  upper  mandible  terminating  in  a  pronounced  hook  or  beak — 
hence  the  popular  name.  (See  accompanying  illustration.)  Two 
claws  on  each  front  flipper. 

Colouration. — Carapace  dark  brown  or  black,  richly  marbled 
with  yellow;  plastron  yellow.  Shields  of  the  head  and  limbs 
dark  brown  or  black,  margined  with  yellow. 

9 


The  Sea  Turtles 

Dimensions. — Smallest  of  the  sea  turtles.  The  carapace 
of  a  very  large  animal  will  measure  about  two  and  a  half  feet 
in  length;  few  examples  of  that  length  are  captured  nowadays. 

Habits. — Unlike  its  near  ally,  the  Green  Turtle,  the  present 
reptile  is  apparently  carnivorous,  living  upon  fish,  crustaceans 
and  molluscs.  Like  all  of  the  marine  chelonians,  it  lays  its  eggs 
on  sandy  beaches,  above  tide-line. 

It  is  from  this  sea  turtle  only,  that  the  valuable  "tortoise- 
shell"  of  commerce  is  obtained;  this  is  the  clear,  horny  substance, 
in  the  shape  of  shields,  covering  the  bony  carapace. 


10 


THE  REPTILE  BOOK 


PLATE  IV 


YOUNG  LOGGERHEAD  TURTLES,  ThalassocMys  carelta 
Very  young  sea  turtles  often  seek  shallow  inlets  to  escape  their  many  enemies.     In  such  places  they  are  sometimes  very  numerous 


"LASTRON  OF  TRUNK  TURTLE. 

Spliargis  coriacca 


PLASTRON  OF  LOGGERHEAD  TURTLE, 

Tkalassochelys  caretta 


PLASTRON  OF  GREEN  TURTLE, 
,  Chelonia  mydas 


PLASTRON   OF  HA\VK'S-RILL  TURTLE, 
Chelonia  imbricata 


PLATE  V 


THE  REPTILE  BOOK 


EGGS  OF  THE  ARIZONA  MUD  TURTLE, 
Cinosternum  henrici 


NEWLY  HATCHED  MUSK  TURTLES, 
Aromochclys  odoratus 


EGGS  OF  THE  SPOTTED  TURTLE, 
Clidopus  gullalus 


A  YEARLING  MUSK  TURTLE,   A.  carinatus 
The  back  is  very  high 


VERY  YOUNG  BOX  TURTLE,  Cistudo  Carolina 
There  is  a  very  strong  keel 


A  YOUNG  GOPHER  TORTOISE,  Tesludo  polvphemus 
The  sharply  delineated  concentric  grooves  show  a  rapid  growtn 


TOUNG  TURTLES  AND  TORTOISES 


CHAPTER  III :  THE  SNAPPING  TURTLES 

FAMILY  CHELYDRID^E 
A  Small  Family,  Composed  of  Three  Large  and  Powerful  Species 

Classification. — Of  the  three  species  composing  the  family 
Chelydrida,  two  inhabit  North  America.  The  family  is  divided 
into  two  genera,  Chelydra  and  Macrocbelys.  One  species  of  the 
former  is  widely  distributed  and  abundant  in  the  United  States 
and  ranges  southward  to  Ecuador;  the  other  species  inhabits 
Mexico  and  Guatemala.  The  single  species  of  Macrocbelys  is 
confined  to  the  Southern  United  States. 

General  characters. — The  Snapping  Turtles  are  the  largest 
of  the  fresh-water  chelonians  inhabiting  the  United  States. 
Their  general  form  is  well  known.  The  dull,  rough  carapace, 
with  its  heavy  keels  and  marginal  serrations,  the  proportionately 
huge  and  sinister  head,  and  the  long,  fleshy  tail,  with  its  alligator- 
like  crest  combine  to  make  these  turtles  unique.  The  plastron 
is  insignificantly  small  and  narrow  and  affords  comparatively 
no  protection — but  these  big  turtles  do  not  seek  to  withdraw 
the  head  and  limbs  like  their  smaller  and  weaker  relations. 
They  are  bold  and  aggressive  fighters  and  their  massive,  keen- 
edged  jaws  cause  them  to  be  the  terror  of  most  of  the  aquatic 
and  semi-aquatic  creatures. 

The  Common  Snapping  Turtle  (Cbelydra  serpentina),  though 
larger  than  any  other  species  of  North  American  turtle,  except 
its  near  ally,  is  dwarfed  by  the  comparison  of  the  latter  species — 
the  Alligator  Snapping  Turtle  (Marcochdys  lacertina).  Adult 
specimens  of  this  enormous,  fresh-water  turtle  attain  a  weight 
of  130  and  140  pounds. 

The  genera  may  be  defined,  thus: 

Under  surface    of    tail    with    large    shields.  .  .  .    Chelydra. 
Under  surface    of    tail    with    large    scales.  .  .  Macrochelys. 

Besides  these  characters  the  following  points  may  be  em- 
ployed in  separating  the  two  species  inhabiting  the  United 
States: 

ii 


The  Snapping  Turtles 

a.  Three  moderate  keels  on  the  carapace. 
Colour. — Very  dark  olive,  or  dark  brown. 

COMMON  SNAPPING  TURTLE,  Chelydra  serpentina. 

Distribution. — North  America  east  of  the  Rockies; 
southward  to  Ecuador. 

b.  Three  very  high  keels  on  the  carapace. 
Colour. — rale  brown  or  yellowish. 

ALLIGATOR  SNAPPING  TURTLE,  Macroclelys  lacertina. 

Distribution. — Rivers    emptying    in    the    Gulf    of 
Mexico — Florida  to  Texas;  northward  to  Missouri. 

The  Snapping  Turtles  are  herewith  considered  in  detail: 

THE  COMMON  SNAPPING  TURTLE 

Cbelydra    serpentina,  (Linn.) 

Large  specimens  will  weigh  about  forty  pounds  and  such 
would  have  a  carapace  about  fourteen  inches  long. 

The  carapace  is  very  sharply  serrated  in  the  rear.  There 
are  three  blunt,  broken  keels,  rising  as  tubercles  at  the  rear 
margins  of  the  shields  through  which  they  pass.  The  carapace 
of  old  individuals  is  quite  smooth.  With  young  specimens 
there  are  radiating  lines  or  ridges  from  the  higher  portions  of 
the  keels.  Very  young  specimens  are  exceedingly  rough.  See 
Fig. — The  plastron  is  small  and  narrow,  exposing  a  great  amount 
of  the  fleshy  parts. 

The  under-surface  of  the  tail  is  covered  with  large  shields. 

As  with  all  of  the  very  aquatic  chelonians  the  feet  are  broad 
and  extensively  webbed.  Both  front  and  rear  pairs  are  pro- 
vided with  large  and  coarse  nails. 

Most  characteristic  about  this,  and  the  allied  species,  is 
the  huge,  powerful  head;  the  upper  and  lower  mandibles  ter- 
minate in  strong  hooks.  Though  the  eyes  are  comparatively 
small,  they  are  very  keen  of  vision.  The  head  cannot  be  com- 
pletely withdrawn  into  the  shell,  nor  can  the  tail — nearly  as 
long  as  the  upper  shell — be  protected  beyond  folding  against 
the  lower  margin  of  the  shell. 

Colouration. — Carapace,  dull  olive  or  dark  brown,  with 
little  or  no  markings;  plastron  dull  yellow.  The  upper  portion 
of  the  head  is  very  dark  as  is  the  upper-surface  of  the  limbs 
and  tail;  beneath,  these  members  are  yellowish. 

12 


THE  REPTILE  BOOK 


PLATE  VI 


COMMON  SNAPPING  TURTLE,  Chelydra  serpentina 
Large  examples  weigh  about  40  pounds.     A  vicious  species,  capable  of  inflicting  severe  wounds.     Found  from  southern  Canada  to  Ecuador 


YOTJNO  SNAPPING  TURTLES,  Chelydra  serpentina 


THE  REPTILE  BOOK 


PLATE  VII 


ALLIGATOR  SNAPPING  TURTLE    * 


Distinguished  from 


yellowish  colour,  and  much  larger 
&*  Mexico 


HEAD  OF  THE  ALLIGATOR  TURTLE.  MacrochelyslacerHno 
The  ^ws  of  a  large  specimen  could  readily  amputate  a  man's  hand  or  foot 


The  Snapping  Turtles 

Dimensions. — The  figures  given  represent  a  fair-sized  adult: 

Total  length,  with  Tail  and  Head  outstretched  28    inches. 

Length  of  Carapace 12 

Width  of  Carapace    loj 

Length  of  Plastron     8f 

Length  of  Tail 1 1 

Circumference  of  Head    10 

Weight    32  pounds. 

Distribution. — Southern  Canada  and  the  United  States 
generally  east  of  the  Rocky  Mountains;  southward  through 
Mexico  to  Ecuador. 

Habits  of  the  Snapping  Turtle 

Sinister  in  appearance  and  equally  vicious  as  its  looks  imply, 
the  Snapping  Turtle  is  one  of  the  most  familiar  of  the  North 
American  reptiles.  It  inhabits  slow-running,  muddy  rivers 
and  streams,  ponds  and  marshes.  Very  old  specimens  are  some- 
times so  bloated  and  overburdened  with  fat  that  the  fleshy 
parts  protrude  beyond  the  margin  of  the  shell  and  so  hinder 
the  progress  of  the  limbs  that  the  reptile  is  almost  helpless  when 
removed  from  the  water.  Specimens  in  this  condition  are  said 
to  be  excellent  as  food.  Large  numbers  of  snapping  turtles 
are  sold  in  the  markets  of  Philadelphia  and  Baltimore.  They 
fetch  about  ten  cents  per  pound. 

With  the  exception  of  the  soft-shelled  turtles — genus  Trionyx, 
the  Snapping  Turtles  are  rather  unique  among  chelonians,  in 
defending  themselves  in  a  like  fashion  to  snakes;  namely  by 
"striking"  at  the  object  of  anger.  The  rapidity  with  which 
the  head  is  lurched  forward  rivals  the  dexterity  of  the  rattle- 
snake. So  quick  is  the  movement  that  the  eye  is  barely  able 
to  follow  it.  Backed  up  by  a  pair  of  keen-edged,  cutting  man- 
dibles and  jaw  muscles  of  tremendous  power,  the  stroke  of  these 
dangerous  brutes  may  be  followed  by  anything  but  superficial 
injury.  The  amputation  of  a  finger  by  a  medium-sized  specimen, 
or  a  hand  by  a  very  large  individual  would  be  an  accomplish- 
ment of  no  difficulty  to  the  reptile.  As  in  their  native  state 
these  turtles  lie  partially  embedded  in  the  mud  of  the  river- 
bottom,  the  rapid  movements  of  the  head  and  neck  are  important 
in  the  capture  of  fish  which  form  the  larger  portion  of  the  food. 
But  the  Snapping  Turtle  is  an  exceedingly  voracious  brute, 

13 


The  Snapping  Turtles 

and  is  not  particular  as  to  its  fare.  Young  water  fowl  are  stalked 
from  beneath  the  surface,  seized  by  a  dart  of  the  jaws  and  pulled 
below  to  drown  and  be  quickly  torn  to  pieces  by  the  keen  man- 
dibles assisted  by  the  front  limbs.  The  turtle  is  entirely  car- 
nivorous. It  never  feeds  unless  under  water,  but  it  will  some- 
times seize  its  prey  on  the  bank  of  a  stream,  then  retreat  into 
the  necessary  element.  To  keep  one  of  these  reptiles  in  water 
so  shallow  that  it  is  unable  to  entirely  immerse  its  head  and 
supply  it  regularly  with  the  most  tempting  food,  would  ulti- 
mately result  in  its  starvation.  It  appears  that  the  reptile  is 
unable  to  swallow  unless  the  head  is  under  water. 

As  a  captive  the  Snapping  Turtle  feeds  readily  and  lives 
for  many  years.  It  will  take  food  from  the  hand  that  feeds  it, 
but  most  specimens  resent  undue  familiarity  and  snap  viciously 
when  handled.  The  safest  way  to  handle  a  large  specimen 
is  to  pick  it  up  by  the  tail  and  hold  it  well  off  from  one's  body. 
As  the  animal  is  able  to  throw  the  head  well  back  over  the  shell 
and  to  strike  a  considerable  distance  sideways,  it  is  altogether 
dangerous  to  hold  a  large  specimen  by  the  shell.  Small  indi- 
viduals may  be  safely  handled  by  grasping  them  by  the  rear  por- 
tion of  the  shell,  which  position  removes  the  fingers  from  the 
play  of  the  jaws. 

In  the  early  summer,  the  female  leaves  the  pond  or  stream 
so  persistently  haunted  at  all  other  times  and  prowls  about 
for  a  place  to  deposit  her  eggs.  She  often  wanders  many  feet 
from  the  water  and,  selecting  a  damp  spot,  scoops  away  the 
earth  to  form  a  hollow  into  which  she  crawls  and  moves  about 
until  the  loose  soil  falls  back  over  her.  Thus  she  is  hidden  until 
the  eggs  are  deposited  and  to  the  number  of  about  two  dozen. 
As  she  crawls  forth  the  shell  is  reared  to  a  sharp  degree  and 
the  earth  that  has  fallen  upon  it  is  left  covering  the  eggs.  They 
are  perfectly  round,  white  and  with  a  thin,  hard  shell. 

As  the  Snapping  Turtle  is  persistently  aquatic  the  shells  of 
many  specimens  become  coated  with  moss.  As  they  lie  partially 
buried  in  the  mud,  in  shallow  water,  they  look  much  like  flat 
stones.  In  such  places  they  remain  for  hours,  poking  the  ex- 
treme tip  of  the  snout  from  the  water  to  breathe.  They  are 
able  to  remain  for  long  periods  entirely  submerged  and  will 
dive  to  the  deepest  portions  of  rivers  where  they  prowl  along 
the  bottom  in  search  of  food. 

14 


The  Snapping  Turtles 

THE  ALLIGATOR  SNAPPING  TURTLE 
Macrochelys  lacertina,  (Schweigger) 

Attains  a  maximum  weight  of  about  140  pounds  and  a 
length  of  shell  of  about  28  inches. 

General  structural  characters  much  like  the  preceding 
species,  but  differing  as  follows: 

1.  There  are  no  large  shields  under  the  tail,  but  in  their 
place,  small,  rounded  scales. 

2.  The  presence   of  additional    marginal   shields  (supramar- 
ginals) . 

3.  The  much  higher  keels  on  the  carapace. 

Colouration. — Carapace,  head  and  limbs,  pale  brown,  or 
yellowish.  The  plastron  is  of  a  similar,  though  paler  hue. 

Dimensions. — The  measurements  relate  to  a  specimen 
captured  in  the  Mississippi  River: 

Length  of  Carapace    25  inches. 

Width  of 20 

Length  of  Plastron i6|      " 

Circumference  of  Head 24^       " 

Length  of  Tail 214       " 

Weight 115  pounds. 

Distribution. — Rivers  emptying  into  the  Gulf  of  Mexico, 
from  western  Texas  to  western  Florida.  The  species  ranges 
northward  to  Missouri.  Common  in  the  Mississippi  River. 

Habits. — This  giant  among  fresh-water  reptiles,  is  but  a 
magnified  duplication  of  the  common  snapping  turtle,  both 
in  looks  and  actions.  Its  pale  brown  hues  well  match  the  muddy 
waters  it  inhabits.  With  its  colours  in  perfect  harmony,  it 
lies  motionless  on  the  soft  bottom,  ready  to  seize,  with  a  lightning- 
like  dart  the  unsuspicious  fish  that  comes  its  way.  While  thus 
resting  it  is  able  to  entice  its  prey  by  a  remarkable  appendage 
attached  to  the  inside  of  the  lower  jaw,  close  to  the  region  of 
the  tongue.  This  is  a  well-developed  filament  of  flesh,  white 
and  distinct  from  the  yellowish  mouth-parts  and  resembling 
a  large  grub  to  such  a  degree  of  nicety  that  the  popular-minded 
observer,  seeing  the  object  in  the  reptile's  mouth  would  declare 
it  to  be  the  larva  of  some  insect.  More  striking,  however,  is 
the  reptile's  power  to  keep  this  appendage  in  motion,  giving 
it  the  aspect  of  crawling  about  in  a  small,  circular  course. 

15 


The  Snapping  Turtles 

With  the  mud-coloured  shell  lying  close  to  the  bottom, 
the  jaws  thrown  open  to  a  great  extent,  this  organ  is  put  in  motion. 
Every  other  portion  of  the  creature  is  as  motionless  as  a  rock. 
In  this  position  of  rigidity  the  shell  looks  like  a  great,  round 
stone  and  blotches  of  fine,  waving  moss  intensify  the  deception; 
the  big  head  looks  like  another  stone,  beneath  which  there  is 
a  cavern  and  in  this  cavern  crawls  the  white  grub,  to  all  ap- 
pearances an  object  dear  to  the  hearts  of  finny  wanderers.  But 
woe  to  the  luckless  fish  that  swims  within  reach  of  those  yawn- 
ing jaws! 

The  strength  of  the  Alligator  Turtle  is  enormous.  The 
specimen  from  which  the  measurements  were  taken  upon  being 
teased  with  the  end  of  a  broomstick,  actually  severed  three 
inches  from  the  end  of  this  substantial  material.  A  fair-sized 
shad  was  given  the  turtle  every  three  days.  Slowly  crawling 
toward  the  food  it  would  snap  off  a  large  section  and  swallow 
it  with  a  gulp.  The  piece  taken  out  of  the  fish  was  as  sharply 
defined  and  quickly  removed  as  if  cut  with  a  die.  The  entire 
fish  was  thus  consumed,  in  clean-cut  sections. 

Captive  specimens  are  shy  and  feed  sparingly  unless  pro- 
vided with  means  to  hide.  The  specimen  described  was  content 
to  hide  under  a  raft  of  small  logs,  tied  to  one  corner  of  the  tank 
and  under  which  it  lay  for  the  great  part  of  its  time,  occasionally 
protruding  the  tip  of  the  nose  from  the  water.  Among  other 
turtles  (Clrysemys)  and  a  number  of  half-grown  alligators  it 
was  perfectly  friendly,  a  disposition  which  the  writer  can  credit 
to  other  captive  specimens  of  this  turtle  and  the  common  snapping 
turtle  as  well. 


16 


CHAPTER  IV :  THE  MUSK  OR  MUD  TURTLES 

FAMILY  CINOSTERNID^E 

The  Genera  AROMOCHEL  YS  and  CINOSTERNUM,  Composed 
of  Small  and  Thoroughly  Aquatic  Species,  the  Majority  In- 
habiting North  America 

ALL  of  the  species  of  the  small  family  Cinosternidce,  bear 
a  general  resemblance  to  one  another.  They  are  of  small  size — 
few  attaining  a  length  of  five  inches.  The  upper  shell  is  bluntly 
oval  in  outline,  rounded  above,  and  possesses  no  trace  of  the 
flaring  edge,  or  scolloped  border  as  does  the  shell  of  typical 
pond  and  river  turtles.  It  might  be  said  that  the  carapace  of 
these  turtles  looks  like  a  smooth,  flat  stone.  The  under  shell — 
plastrori — is  a  distinguishing  character.  It  is  composed  of  a 
broad,  rigid  bridge,  and  two  hinged,  movable  lobes,  that  may 
be  drawn  up  against  the  carapace — slightly  so  with  Aromochelys, 
but  to  such  an  extent  with  Cinosternum,  that  the  species  of  the 
latter  genus  have  sometimes  been  called  "box  turtles,"  an  ap- 
pellation which  rightly  belongs,  however,  to  a  genus  of  strictly 
terrestrial  turtles  (Cistudo).* 

Classification  and  Distribution. — But  two  genera  constitute 
this  family.  Aromochelys  appears  to  be  represented  by  three 
species,  all  of  which  occur  in  eastern  North  America.  The 
larger  genus,  Cinosternum,  comprises  about  eleven  species,  six 
of  which  inhabit  the  United  States  and  northern  Mexico;  one 
occurs  in  Mexico  generally  except  the  northern  portion,  three 
in  Central  America,  and  one  in  northern  Brazil  and  the  Guianas. 
The  structural  differences  of  these  species  are  but  slight,  and  in 
technical  nomenclature  described  principally  from  the  shape 
of  the  shields  forming  the  plastron.  The  greater  number  of  the 
species  of  both  genera  display  much  the  same  colouration  of  the 
upper  and  lower  shells.  Some  slight  characters  are  exhibited 

*  With  Cistiido,  there  is  no  rigid  bridge.  _  The  plastron  is  attached  to 
the  upper  shell  by  a  cartilaginous  joint.  It  is  divided  by  a  central  hinge 
— front  and  rear  portions  closing  tightly  against  the  carapace. 

17 


The  Musk  or  Mud  Turtles 

in  the  markings  of  the  head.  Generally  speaking,  it  must  be 
explained  that  many  of  the  species  are  very  difficult  to  determine. 
As  a  large  series  of  specimens  demonstrate  that  the  characters 
of  the  plastron  are  subject  to  considerable  variations,  it  is  pos- 
sible that  the  present  number  of  species  will  be  condensed, 
after  further  investigations. 

The  student  is  advised  to  carefully  examine  the  plastrons 
(lower  shells)  of  the  species  figured  and  to  become  familiar  with 
the  distribution  of  these  turtles.  By  working  in  this  fashion 
the  determination  of  specimens  is  rendered  systematic  and  the 
detailed  descriptions  will  impart  their  references  in  a  thoroughly 
comprehensive  manner. 

All  of  the  Cinosternidce  are  thoroughly  aquatic,  frequenting 
slow-running  streams  or  muddy  rivers,  from  which  they  seldom 
venture.  In  such  places  they  are  admirably  protected  by  their 
dull,  mud-coloured  shells,  which  are  often  coated  with  moss. 
These  turtles  exude  a  strong  and  musky  odor  when  annoyed. 
They  are  much  disliked  by  persons  who  fish  in  fresh-water, 
as  they  will  greedily  take  a  hook  and  perform  such  antics  in  the 
water  that  the  sportsman  is  often  lead  to  anticipate  that  he 
has  captured  a  fish  of  prodigious  size.  When  handled,  they 
snap  and  bite  fiercely,  and,  in  fact,  represent  in  miniature  the 
actions  of  the  formidable  snapping  turtle. 


I.     Plastron  very  narrow;  not  protecting  the  fleshy  parts. 

Genus  Aromochelys. 

a.  Yellow    stripes    on    head;  carapace    of    adult    not 

keeled. 

Two  yellow  stripes  on  side  of  head,  from  snout, 
above  and  beneath  the  eye  to  the  neck. 

COMMON    MUSK   TURTLE,  A.  odoratUS. 

Distribution. — Canada  to  Florida ;  westward  to  Texas. 
Two  yellow  stripes  on  side  of  head;  one  from  snout 

above  eye  to  the  neck;   the  other  from  above 

angle  of  jaw  to  the  neck. 

SOUTHERN    MUSK    TURTLE,  A.  tristychd. 

Distribution. — Georgia  and  Florida  to  Texas. 

b.  Head  spotted;  carapace  of  the  adult  strongly  keeled. 
Head  olive  or  gray,  with  round,  black  spots. 

KEELED   MUSK   TURTLE,  A. 

Distribution. — Georgia  to  Arizona. 
18 


The  Musk  or  Mud  Turtles 

II.  Plastron  protecting  the  limbs  and  fleshy  parts  when 

lobes  are  closed.  Genus  Cinosternum. 

a.     Plastron  moderately  wide — not  entirely  closing  the 
shell. 

1.  Head  with  stripes  or  bands. 

Three   yellow   bands   on   carapace*;  narrow   stripes 
on  each  side  of  head. 

BANDED   MUD   TURTLE,  C.  bauri. 

Distribution. — Southeastern    United    States. 
Carapace  olive  or  brown;  two  broad,  orange  bands 
on  each  side  of  head. 

LOUISIANA  MUD  TURTLE,  C.  louisiance. 
Distribution. — Louisana  and  Texas. 

2.  Top  of  head  uniform — sides  bright  yellow. 

Carapace  olive  or  brown;  sides  of  head  and  neck 
bright  yellow. 

YELLOW-NECKED   MUD  TURTLE,  C.  ftaVCSCens. 

Distribution. — Arkansas  to  Arizona. 

3.  Head  spotted. 

Carapace    olive    or    brown;  head    olive,    speckled 
with    black. 

COMMON  MUD  TURTLE,  C.  pennsylvanicum. 
Distribution. — Eastern  and  Western  states. 

III.  Plastron  very  wide,  completely  encasing  limbs  when 

lobes  are  closed. 

Genus  Cinosternum — continued 
Carapace  brownish-yellow;  head  olive,  with  obscure 

markings.  ARIZONA  MUD  TURTLE,  C.  henrici. 

Distribution. — New  Mexico;  Arizona. 
Carapace  brownish-yellow;  head  gray,  spotted  with 

black.  MEXICAN  MUD  TURTLE,  C.  integrum. 

Distribution. — Mexico    generally,     well     into     the 

northern  portion. 

The  Genus  Aromochelys. — Although  some  authorities  have 
united  this  genus  with  Cinosternum,  the  writer  believes  that  the 
very  narrow  plastron,  so  characteristic  with  the  three  species, 
constitutes  an  important  point  for  the  foundation  of  an  indepen- 
dent genus.  With  this  narrow  under  shell  and  the  consequent 
exposure  of  the  fleshy  parts,  together  with  the  proportionately 
large  head,  these  little  turtles  resemble  in  miniature,  the  large, 
vicious  species  of  the  Chelydridce — the  snapping  turtles.  Three 
species  of  this  genus  are  recognised.  Their  descriptions  follow: 

*  The  only  species  with  longitudinal  bands  on  the  shell. 


The  Musk  or  Mud  Turtles 

THE  COMMON  MUSK  TURTLE 
Aromocbelys  odoratus,  (Latr.) 

The  upper  shell  is  rather  narrowly  oval  and  arched  to  a 
considerable  degree.  With  young  specimens  it  is  strongly 
keeled,  but  the  keel  disappears  with  the  adult,  or  becomes  very 
blunt  and  obscure.  The  plastron  is  very  narrow  and  much 
shorter  than  the  upper  shell.  Neither  of  the  lobes  are  capable 
of  being  drawn  upward  to  any  extent.  With  young  specimens 
they  are  rigid,  and  the  rear  portion  remains  immovable  until 
the  reptile  is  well  grown. 

The  head  is  proportionately  large,  with  tapering,  conical 
snout.  The  feet  are  broadly  webbed. 

Colouration. — With  young  specimens  the  carapace  is  dull 
olive  or  brown,  the  shields  showing  narrow,  black  margins. 
Old  specimens  are  of  a  dull,  lusterless  brown  and  usually  coated 
with  moss.  The  plas.tron  is  dark  yellow  or  brown. 

The  head  markings  are  important.  On  each  side  of  the 
head  are  two  bright  yellow  stripes,  both  extending  from  the 
tip  of  the  snout  to  the  neck.  One  of  these  stripes  passes  over 
the  eye;  the  other  extends  backward  beneath  the  eye,  run- 
ning parallel  with  the  line  of  the  jaw,  thence  bending  slightly 
downward  behind  the  angle  of  the  mouth  and  running  to  the 
neck. 

Dimensions. — Length  of  Carapace   .  3$  inches. 

Width  of  2^ 

Length  of  Plastron 2f 

Width  of  Front  Lobe  at  Hinge.  ...    IT5¥ 
"      of  Rear      "     "       "     ..  ..  IT| 

Width  of  Bridge  of  Plastron 2 

Lengthof     "      "  f 

Width  of  Head | 

Distribution. — Southern  Canada  to  the  Gulf  of*. Mexico; 
westward  to  Illinois  in  the  North,  and  to  Texas  in  the  southern 
portion  of  the  range.  The  species  is  generally  abundant. 

Habits. — Frequenting  slow-running  streams  and  muddy 
rivers,  this  pugnacious  little  reptile  is  in  habits,  as  well  as  in 
looks,  an  understudy  of  the  snapping  turtle.  When  handled 
it  emits  a  strong,  though  not  highly  disagreeable  odour,  which, 
contrary  to  many  assertions,  is  not  of  so  powerful  a  nature  as 
to  resist  repeated  washings  in  an  effort  to  remove  it.  This 

20 


The  Musk  or  Mud  Turtles 

odour  is  characteristic  of  all  of  the  Cinosternidce,  though  par- 
ticularly pronounced  with  the  species  of  Aromocbelys. 

Except  for  the  purpose  of  coming  to  the  shore  to  deposit 
its  eggs,  the  Musk  Turtle  seldom  leaves  the  water.  It  crawls 
about  on  the  bottom  of  rivers  and  ponds,  searching  for  food 
to  satisfy  its  voracious  and  carnivorous  appetite.  Frequently 
it  runs  afoul  of  the  fisherman's  hook,  baited  with  small  fish  or 
worm.  Pulled  to  the  surface  it  snaps  viciously  and  emits  the 
characteristic  odour  which  gives  the  species  its  name. 

As  a  captive  the  Musk  Turtle  is  rather  timid  and,  like  the 
snapping  turtle,  will  take  advantage  of  hiding  places  or  dark 
corners  of  its  tank.  Its  movements  when  crawling  about  the 
bottom  of  an  aquarium  or  in  swimming  show  deliberation  and 
perfect  ease  and  prove  the  creature's  fitness  for  exploring  the 
muddy  beds  of  rivers.  As  an  experiment  the  writer  kept  several 
specimens  in  a  deep  aquarium,  without  means  of  leaving  the 
water,  or  obtaining  a  foothold  at  the  top,  to  breathe.  The 
test  continued  for  several  weeks.  These  turtles  either  crawled 
about  the  bottom  of  the  tank  or  swam  leisurely  to  the  surface 
for  a  breath  of  air.  They  fed  readily  and  from  all  indications 
would  have  lived  indefinitely  under  such  conditions.  Pond 
turtles  or  river  turtles — terrapin — if  thus  treated,  would  have 
soon  become  exhausted  and  ultimately  succumbed  by  drown- 
ing. 

During  the  first  warm  days  of  Spring,  the  Musk  Turtles 
seek  very  shallow  water,  and  lie  basking  in  the  sun.  At  such 
times  they  may  be  taken  in  large  numbers. 

THE  SOUTHERN  MUSK  TURTLE 

Aromochelys  iristycba,  (Agassiz) 

At  a  glance  this  turtle  at  once  appeals  to  the  preceding 
species,  but  the  head  markings  are  different,  the  upper  shell 
is  more  elongated,  while  the  forward,  central  shield  of  the  cara- 
pace is  much  narrower. 

Colouration. — Upper  and  lower  shell  like  the  preceding 
species.  There  is  a  narrow  stripe  from  the  snout,  extending 
over  the  eye,  thence  back  upon  the  neck.  Beneath  this  is  a 
second  stripe,  extending  from  slightly  above  the  angle  of  the 
jaw,  backward  upon  the  neck.  The  chin  has  spots  in  place  of 
the  two  light  bands  of  A.  odoratus.  With  some  specimens  the 

21 


The  Musk  c.  I.I.id  Turtles 

head  bands  are  very  obscure.     These  are  generally  old  individ- 
uals and  the  head  is  brown,  streaked  or  speckled  with  black. 
Dimensions. — The    measurements    of    an    adult    specimen 
from  Enterprise,  Florida,  are  given: 

Length  of  Carapace 4  inches. 

Width  of  2j     " 

Length  of  Plastron 

Width  of  Head i|    " 

From  these  measurements  it  will  be  seen  that  the  head  is 
proportionately  larger  than  with  A.  odoratus. 

Distribution. — The  southeastern  portion  of  the  United  States 
— Florida  to  Texas. 

Habits. — Similar  to  the  preceding  species. 

THE  KEELED  MUSK  TURTLE 

Aromochelys  carinatus,  (Gray) 

The  carapace  is  high  and  wedge-shaped,  with  a  strong 
keel  upon  the  rear  portion,  a  character  existing  with  young 
specimens  of  the  two  preceding  species,  but  retained  in  the  adult 
form  of  the  present  species.  The  head  is  proportionately  larger 
than  that  of  A.  odoratus  and  the  jaws  are  more  strongly  de- 
veloped. 

Colouration. — Unlike  the  allied  species  the  head  is  dark 
brown  or  olive,  profusely  spotted  with  black.  There  are  no 
traces  of  stripes. 

The  carapace  is  dull  olive  or  brown,  with  black  spots  or 
streaks,  or  radiating  bars.  The  plastron  is  yellow. 

Dimensions. — The  Keeled  Musk  Turtle  attains  a  length 
of  shell  of  five  inches,  but  the  proportions  of  a  smaller  specimen 
are  given. 

Length  of  Carapace   3^  '  inches. 

Width  of  2|      " 

Length  of  Plastron 2$ 

Width  of  Front  Lobe  at  Hinge if 

(    Rear  iTV 

Distribution. — The  southern  portion  of  the  United  States, 
from  Georgia  (inclusive)  to  Arizona  (inclusive). 

Habits. — The  general  habits  appeal  to  the  other  species 
of  the  genus. 

22 


PLATE  VIII 


THE  REPTILE  BOOK 


Abundant  in  mud 


COMMON  MUSK  TURTLE,  Aromochelys  odoratus 


uTrJI 


SOUTHERN  MUSK  TURTLE,  Aromochel 
Closely  allied  to  the  preceding  species 


THE  REPTILE  BOOK 


PLATE  IX 


KEELED  MUSK  TURTLE,  Aromochdys  carinatus 
Found  in  sluggish  rivers  from  Georgia  to  Arizona.     In  the  centre  of  the  back  is  a  high,  sham  keel 


COMMON  MUD  TURTLE,  Cinosternum  pennsylranicum 
A  common  turtle  in  eastern  North  America.    Note  the  width  of  the  plastron  as  compared  with  the  species  of  Aromochdys 


The  Musk  or  Mud  Turtles 

The  Genus  Cinosternum. — Six  species  of  Cinosternum  occur 
in  the  United  States  and  northern  Mexico;  they  may  be  at  once 
recognised  from  Aromocbelys  by  the  much  broader  plastron, 
the  lobes  of  which  can  be  drawn  upward  against  the  lower  edge 
of  the  carapace,  covering  the  limbs  and  fleshy  parts.  While 
the  species  of  Aromochelys  are  usually  known  as  Musk  Turtles, 
the  reptiles  of  the  present  genus  are  more  generally  called  Mud 
Turtles,  though  they  exude  much  the  same  musky  odours  as  the 
former.  Their  habits  are  quite  similar  to  those  of  the  Musk 
Turtles 

THE  COMMON  MUD  TURTLE 

Cinosternum  pennsylvanicum,  (Bosc.) 

The  upper  shell  is  broader  and  more  flat  than  with  the 
musk  turtles.*  The  plastron  is  nearly  as  wide  as  the  opening 
of  the  shell — the  front  and  rear  lobes  loosely  hinged  and  capable 
of  being  drawn  upward  to  protect  the  head,  limbs  and  fleshy 
parts. 

Colouration. — Upper  shell  dull  olive  or  brown,  the  shields 
with  narrow  black  margins.  The  plastron  is  yellow  or  pale 
brown. 

With  the  exception  of  the  jaws,  which  are  of  a  uniform 
olive,  the  head  is  usually  brown,  with  numerous,  greenish-yellow 
spots.  On  some  specimens  these  spots  run  together,  forming 
yellowish  stripes  on  the  sides  of  the  head,  a  condition  which 
causes  the  head  to  resemble  that  of  the  musk  turtle,  (A.  odoratus), 
but  the  broad  plastron  at  once  distinguishes  this  species  from 
the  former. 

Dimensions. — The  Common  Mud  Turtle  attains  a  maximum 
size  of  four  inches.  Following  are  the  measurements  of  an  av- 
erage sized  specimen: 

Length  of  Carapace 3^  inches. 

Width   "         'r         2* 

Length  of  Plastron 3^ 

Width  of  Front  Lobe  at  Hinge i£ 

"       "  Rear     "         "       " i* 

Length  of  Bridge f 

Width  of  Head f 


*  On  the  carapace  of  young  specimens  are  three  faint  keels.     On 
occasional  adult  specimens  there  is  a  blunt,  central  keel. 

23 


The  Musk  or  Mud  Turtles 

The  range  of  the  Common  Mud  Turtle  must  be  given  as  the 
eastern  United  States,  from  New  York  to  the  Gulf  of  Mexico  and 
westward  to  the  Mississippi  Valley.  It  may  extend  farther  west- 
ward but  there  appears  to  be  rather  a  mix-up  of  western  records 
and  a  tendency  to  confuse  this  with  an  altogether  different  species. 

From  this  habitat,  it  will  be  observed  that  the  Common 
Mud  Turtle  does  not  extend  as  far  northward  as  its  common 
eastern  associate  and  ally — the  musk  turtle,  nor  does  it  occur 
so  abundantly  as  that  species. 

Habits. — The  habits  of  this  species,  and,  in  fact  of  all  of  the 
Mud  Turtles,  have  practically  been  described  under  the  head 
of  the  common  musk  turtle.  The  Mud  Turtles  are  at  perfect 
ease  for  an  indefinite  time  in  a  deep  tank  of  water  without  foot- 
ing or  support  upon  the  surface.  They  are  strictly  aquatic  in 
habits  when  in  a  wild  state  and  prowl  about  the  muddy  bottoms 
of  rivers  and  ponds  in  the  search  for  food. 

THE  LOUISIANA  MUD  TURTLE 
Cino sternum  louisiance,  (Baur) 

This  turtle  is  most  nearly  allied  to  C.  pennsylvanicum,  but 
may  be  recognised  by  its  more  elongated  shell  and  pronounced 
markings  of  the  head — arranged  in  bands. 

Colouration. — Upper  shell  dull  olive,  the  margins  of  the 
larger  shields  narrowly  margined  with  black.  Plastron  dull 
yellow. 

The  head  is  strikingly  marked  and  in  a  fashion  that  causes 
the  species  to  differ  from  all  the  others  of  the  genus.  Beginning 
at  the  snout  and  extending  over  the  eye  is  a  vivid,  orange-yellow 
stripe,  which  widens  and  becomes  broken  at  the  rear  portion  of 
the  head,  thence  continues  on  the  neck  as  an  orange  blotch 
or  band.  Beginning  at  the  angle  of  the  jaw  is  a  broader  ...stripe 
of  the  same  colour,  running  back  to  the  neck. 

Dimensions. — The  measurements  given  do  not  equal  the 
maximum  size  attained,  but  illustrate  the  general  proportions 
of  the  shell: 

Length  of  Carapace .   3f  inches. 

Width  of      "          $ 

Length  of  Plastron 3!        " 

Width,  Front  Lobe,  at  Hinge .if         " 

Rear  if 

24 


The  Musk  or  Mud  Turtles 

Distribution. — The  exact  range  of  this  species  is  not  well 
known.  It  has  been  given  as  Louisiana,  from  which  state,  all 
of  the  writer's  specimens  have  been  received.  In  Louisiana 
this  species  appears  to  take  the  place  of  the  C.  pennsylvanicum. 
It  is  very  probable  that  further  investigation  will  demonstrate 
this  species  to  occur  over  a  considerable  area  of  the  southern 
Mississippi  Valley,  and  westward,  well  into  Texas. 

BAUR'S  MUD  TURTLE;  THE  BANDED  MUD  TURTLE 

Cinosternum  bauri,  (Carman) 

In  shape  of  shell,  this  reptile  resembles  the  preceding  spe- 
cies of  mud  turtles,  but  it  may  be  easily  recognised  by  the  banded 
appearance  of  the  carapace. 

Colouration. — The  upper  shell  is  brown  or  olive,  with  three 
dull  yellow  bands  extending  its  entire  length.  There  are  two 
stripes  on  each  side  of  the  head,  beginning  at  the  snout  and 
extending  backward,  above  and  beneath  the  eye  to  the  neck. 

Very  old  and  worn  specimens  show  but  little  trace  of  the 
bands  upon  the  carapace  unless  the  shell  is  moistened. 

Dimension. — Length  of  Carapace 3$  inches. 

Width   "  2| 

Length  of  Plastron 3^ 

Width  of  Front  Lobe,  at  Hinge   ...    i  J 

"   Rear  "      "  .if 

Width  of  Head £ 

The  measurements  were  taken  from  a  specimen  captured 
at  Enterprise,  Florida. 

Distribution. — The  southeastern  portion  of  the  United  States. 

THE  YELLOW-NECKED  MUD  TURTLE 

Cinosternum  flavescens,  (Agassiz) 

From  the  standpoint  of  form,  size  and  colouration,  this 
species  is  similar  to  the  common  mud  turtle,  to  which  it  is 
closely  allied.  From  a  technical  view  it  is  described  as  possess- 
ing differences  in  the  outlines  of  the  shields  composing  the  plastron 
— the  same  pertaining  to  the  sutures  between  the  pectoral  and 
humeral  shields.  These  differences  may  be  studied  from  the 
illustrations. 

Colouration. — With  the  greater  number  of  specimens 
the  upper  shell  is  possibly  lighter  in  colour  than  the  carapace 

25 


The  Musk  or  Mud  Turtles 

of  the  common  mud  turtle,  being  yellowish-brown,  yellowish- 
green  or  olive.  The  margins  of  the  shields  are  narrowly  bordered 
with  black.  The  plastron  is  yellow. 

The  upper  surface  of  the  head  is  generally  uniform  olive, 
while  the  sides  of  the  head  and  neck  are  bright  yellow.  The  eye 
is  bright  yellow,  with  a  horizontal  bar  of  black  through  the 
centre  of  the  iris. 

Male  specimens  possess  much  longer  tails  than  the  females.* 

Dimensions. — Length  of  Carapace 4!  inches. 

Width  of  3! 

Length  of  Plastron 4^       " 

Width  of  Front  Lobe,  at  Hinge. .  .  2\ 

'  Rear        "       "       "     ...  2\       " 

Distribution. — The  range  of  this  species  is  from  Arkansas 
(inclusive)  through  Texas  and  into  Arizona.  It  probably  in- 
habits several  of  the  rivers  of  northern  Mexico. 

THE   ARIZONA  MUD  TURTLE 
Cinosternum  kenrici,  (LeConte) 

This  is  a  large  species  and  might  be  described  as  inter- 
mediate between  the  species  of  the  genus  already  considered  and 
the  Mexican  and  Central  American  species,  with  which  the  lobes 
of  the  plastron  are  very  wide  and  the  hinges  so  elastic  that  the 
shell  closes  as  tightly  as  with  the  true  box  turtles  (Cistudo),  a 
character  clearly  seen  in  the  illustration  of  the  following  species 
— C.  integmm. 

Colouration. — The  carapace  is  brownish-yellow;  the  plastron 
pale  yellow.  Above,  the  head  and  neck  are  dull  olive;  both 
are  thickly  sprinkled  with  yellow  on  the  under  surfaces. 

Dimensions. — The  species  attains  a  length  of  five  or  six 
inches. 

Distribution. — Arizona  and  New  Mexico. 

THE  MEXICAN  MUD  TURTLE 
Cinosternum  integmm,  (LeConte) 

Although  this  species  does  not  occur  in  the  United  States, 
it  ranges  well  into  the  northern  portion  of  Mexico.  Its  descrip- 
tion is  given  as  representing  the  type  of  the  tropical  species  of 
this  genus. 

*  A  character  to  be  noted  with  all  the  species. 

26 


THE  REPTILE  BOOK 


PLATE  X 


LOUISIANA  MUD  TURTLE,  Cinosternum  louisianae 
ke  all  the  spec.es  of  ,ts  genus  it  is  persistently  aquatic.     Immediately  told  by  the  bright  orange  bands  on  the  sides  of  the  head 


BAXDED  MUD  TURTLE.  Cinosttmvm  ba,,r, 
itinguished  from  the  other  species  of  Cinosternum  in  having  bands  on  the  upper  shell.    Confined  to  Georei 


gia  and  Florida 


THE  REPTILE  BOOK 


PLATE  XI 


YELLOW-NECKED  MUD  TURTLE,  Cinostcrnum  flavescens 
The  upper  shell  is  yellowish-brown  or  olive  and  the  sides  of  the  neck  bright  yellow.     Inhabits  the  southwestern  portion  of  the  United  States 


ARIZONA  MUD  TURTLE,  Cinosternum  henrici 

Largest  of  the  North  American  mud  turtles.     A  full-grown  shell  is  six  inches  long.     The  under  shell  has  a  crushed-in  appearance 
The  range  embraces  the  rivers  of  New  Mexico  and  Arizona 


The  Musk  or  Mud  Turtles 

The  lobes  of  the  plastron  are  very  wide  and  when  closed 
against  the  upper  shell,  form  such  a  perfect  union  that  it  is  diffi- 
cult to  insert  a  straw  between  any  portion.  The  general  effect 
of  the  under  surface  is  quite  different  than  with  the  species 
considered  except  C.  henrici,  as  the  bridge  of  the  plastron  is  very 
flat — in  fact,  it  cannot  be  termed  a  bridge,  for  the  entire  sur- 
face of  the  under  shell  is  flush  with  the  edge  of  the  carapace. 
The  characteristic  notch  at  the  rear  of  the  plastron,  is  but 
feebly  represented. 

This  species  has  a  large  head  and  strong  jaws.  The  tail 
of  male  specimens  terminates  in  a  nail-like  spine. 

Colouration. — Like  the  majority  of  the  species  the  upper 
shell  is  dull  olive  or  brown,  the  shields  narrowly  bordered  with 
black.  The  plastron  is  pale  yellow,  with  clouded  brown  mark- 
ings at  the  edges  of  the  shields. 

The  head  is  dull  yellow,  speckled  or  marbled  with  black. 

Dimensions. — The  measurements  given  are  of  an  adult 
specimen  (male)  from  Sinola,  west  coast  of  Mexico : 

Length  of  Carapace    .6  inches. 

Width    "        "         3|      ' 

Length  of  Plastron ^\ 

Width  of  Front  Lobe,  at  Hinge   2f 

"  Rear       "  2| 

Width  of  Head \\ 

Distribution. — Mexico,  generally  in  slow-running  streams 
and  rivers. 


CHAPTER  V:  THE  TERRAPINS 
THE  GENERA  CHRYSEMYS,  MALACOCLEMMYS  AND  CHELOPUS 

A  Group  of  Aquatic  Chelonians  Known  Commonly  as  Pond  Turtles 
and  River  Turtles.  They  are  Characterised  by  Their  Broad,  Flat 
Shell.  Most  of  the  Species  are  Edible 

THE  term  "Terrapin"  is  a  convenient  one,  for  under  this 
appropriate,  popular  head  we  may  group  all  of  the  North  American 
"turtles,"  or  semi-aquatic  chelonians,  except  the  Soft-shelled 
Turtles  (Trionychidce) ,  the  Snapping  Turtles  (Chelydridce)  and 
the  Musk  Turtles  (Cinosternidce). 

Classification  of  the  Terrapins. — The  Terrapins  are  embraced 
in  the  large  family  Tesludinidce',  three  genera  are  represented 
in  North  America.  The  largest  genus  is  Chrysemys;  it  contains 
the  largest  species  and  its  members  range  over  the  United  States 
generally,  though  most  of  them  inhabit  the  southeastern  por- 
tion; others  occur  in  Mexico,  Central  America,  South  America 
and  the  West  Indies.  Malacodemmys  is  a  small  genus,  con- 
fined to  the  central  and  eastern  portions  of  the  United  States. 
Chelopus  is  also  a  small  genus  and  the  species  occur  only  in  the 
United  States. 

The  Terrapins  frequent  the  borders  of  ponds,  brooks  and 
rivers — some,  the  salt  marshes  of  the  eastern  coast.  They 
are  characterised  by  their  broad,  flattened  shell — quite  smooth 
with  the  majority  of  them.  The  hind  feet  are  extensively  webbed ; 
all  of  these  animals  are  excellent  swimmers.  Many  of  the  species 
of  Chrysemys  have  very  long,  sharp  claws  on  both  pair  of  feet. 

Of  all  the  Terrapins,  the  "  Diamond-back,"  (Malacodemmys 
palustris),  is  the  most  familiar,  as  it  is  a  favourite  though  costly 
article  of  food  and  a  by-word  of  the  eastern  markets.  The  larger 
species  of  Chrysemys  and  several  of  those  belonging  to  Malaco- 
demmys are  sold  in  large  numbers,  but  always  at  a  far  less 
price  than  the  Diamond-back.  The  former  turtles,  often 
seen  in  large  numbers  in  the  markets  where  they  are  kept  in  cold 

28 


The  Terrapins 

vats  to  prevent  them  losing  fat,  are  known  commercially  and 
collectively  as  "Sliders."  Large  examples  sell  at  11.50 to  $2.00, 
while  considerably  smaller  Diamond-backs — about  eight  inches 
long — are  worth  fully  $60.00  a  dozen.  The  species  of  Chelopus 
are  worthless  for  market  purposes. 

Definition  of  the  Genera 

A.  Size  moderate  to  large.     6/014  inches. 

Shell  broad  and  flattened,  with  some  species  rising 
to  a  very  blunt  apex.  No  concentric  grooves  on 
shields,  but  numerous  parallel  furrows,  extending 
lengthwise  on  many  of  the  species.  Claws  very  long. 

Genus  Chrysemys. 

Shell  flattened,  but  rising  in  the  centre  to  rather 
a  sharp  apex,  surmounted  by  a  strongly-defined  keel. 
Shields  smooth,  or  with  concentric  grooves. 

Genus  Malacoclemmys. 

B.  Size  smaller — from  3/08  indies. 

Shell  low  and  bluntly  rounded.  Smooth  or  with 
concentric  rings.  Genus  Chelopus. 

The  Genus  Chrysemys. — The  exact  standing  of  these  turtles 
in  the  United  States,  as  concerns  the  number  of  species,  is  doubt- 
ful. These  terrapin  are  quite  variable,  both  in  the  conformation 
of  the  shell  and  in  colouration.  The  writer  has  before  him  a 
series  of  shells  of  the  Cumberland  Terrapin,  (Cbrysemys  elegans). 
There  is  a  degree  of  variation  in  the  outlines  of  the  carapace 
that  might  greatly  confuse  the  novice.  Some  of  the  shells  are 
quite  high  and  have  a  tendency  to  be  globular;  others  rise  to  a 
blunt  apex  and  are  surmounted  by  a  strong  keel;  a  few  are 
decidedly  flattened,  with  a  blunt  keel.  The  colouration  of 
the  series  is  likewise  variable.  Such  conditions  exist  among 
most  of  the  species.  Thus  it  will  be  understood  that  the  genus 
is  a  difficult  one  to  describe  in  a  popular  manner.  As  little  techni- 
cal work  has  been  done  with  genus,  since  the  writings  of  the  late 
Dr.  Baur,  there  are  no  books  of  reference  to  aid  in  the  comparison 
of  various  specimens.  The  writer  has  given  much  thought  to 
these  terrapin,  and  has  examined  fine  series  of  most  of  the  species, 
but  he  has  encountered  many  troublesome  problems  that  would 
take  many  months  of  investigation — and  many  more  specimens 
— to  solve.  Following  his  idea  to  exclude  technical  phraseology 
from  this  work,  the  writer  has  found  it  a  hard  matter  to  define 
one  species  from  another. 

29 


The  Terrapins 

KEY  TO  THE  SPECIES  OF  CHRYSEMYS 

Division  I.     Carapace  perfectly  smooth  and  rounded    without 
a  keel  and  not  serrated  at  the  rear  margin. 
Si%e,  from  5  to  8  inches. 

a.  Bright  red  markings  on  upper  and  lower  marginal 

shields  of  carapace. 

Dark  olive  above;   shields  with  wide,  yellowish 

borders.     Plastron  immaculate  yellow. 

EASTERN    PAINTED  TERRAPIN,  C.  pictd. 

Distribution. — Eastern  North  America. 

Carapace  dark  olive,  the  shields  with  narrow, 
yellowish  margins.  Plastron  yellow,  with  a  long 
black  patch  in  centre. 

WESTERN  PAINTED  TERRAPIN,  C.  marginata. 

Carapace  dark  olive  or  brown;  shields  with 
very  narrow,  or  no  yellow  margins,  but  trav- 
ersed by  vein-like,  yellow  lines.  Plastron  yel- 
low, with  symmetrical,  black  markings  in  the 
centre.  BELL'S  PAINTED  TERRAPIN,  C.  belli. 

Distribution. — United  States,  west  of  the  Miss- 
issippi and  Ohio  Rivers. 

b.  No  red  markings   on    upper   or   lower  margins  of 

carapace;  latter  yellow,  with  or   without  black 

spots. 

Olive  or  brown  above,  with  a  net-work  of  fine 

yellow  lines;  plastron  immaculate  yellow. 

CHICKEN  TURTLE,  C.  reticulatus. 
Distribution. — Southeastern  United  States. 
Division  II.    Shell  smooth  or  with  numerous   parallel  grooves; 
serrated  at  rear  margin. 
Si%e,  from  10  to  14  inches. 

c.  Carapace  flat,  smooth,  serrated  at  rear. 

Carapace    olive,    with    large,     black    blotches; 
no  yellow  markings.     Head  dull  olive. 

TROOST'S  TERRAPIN,  C.  troosti. 

Distribution. — States  bordering  the  Mississippi — 
to  Illinois. 

Carapace  olive,  divided  into  various  sized *and 
shaped  areas  by  yellow  bands,  the  spaces  contain- 
ing concentric,  yellow  lines. 

HIEROGLYPHIC  TERRAPIN,  C.  hieroglyphica. 

Distribution. — Georgia,  northern  Alabama  and 
Tennessee. 

d.  Carapace    flat,     with    numerous    parallel     grooves: 

serrated  at  rear. 

§  Numerous  parallel  stripes  on  head   and    neck, 

all  of  which  are  yellow. 

3° 


The  Terrapins 

Shell  broad  and  flat.  Carapace  olive  or 
brown,  with  numerous,  black-edged,  transverse, 
yellow  bands.  Plastron  yellow.  Edges  of  jaws 
but  slightly  serrated. 

BARRED    TERRAPIN,  C.  COndnna. 

Distribution. — Illinois  to  the  Gulf  States  and  east- 
ward. 

Carapace  higher  and  more  constricted  at  sides 
than  that  of  preceding;  olive  or  black,  with 
reddish  cross-bars.  Plastron  red  or  deep  orange. 
Edges  of  jaws  strongly  serrated. 

RED-BELLIED  TERRAPIN,  C.  rubriventris. 

Distribution. — New  York  to  Ohio;  southward  to 
Florida. 

Carapace  similar  to  preceding  in  form;  the 
paler  markings  run  together,  in  reticulated 
fashion.  Jaws  serrated. 

TEXAS  TERRAPIN,  C.  texana. 

Distribution. — Texas. 

§§  Broadest    band    on    bead,    red;  narrow    bands 

yellow. 
Carapace   olive    or    brown,    barred    with    yellow. 

Plastron  yellow,  blotched  with  black. 

CUMBERLAND    TERRAPIN,  C.  elegans. 

Distribution. — Central    States — Illinois  to  Texas. 

§§§  No  longitudinal  stripes  on  head  of  adult;  a 
yellow  bar  behind  eye. 

Carapace  with  thickly  crowded,  parallel  fur- 
rows; blackish  with  dull  yellow  cross-bars.  Plas- 
tron usually  immaculate,  lemon  yellow. 

YELLOW-BELLIED   TERRAPIN,  C.  SCabm. 

Distribution. — North  Carolina  to  Georgia. 

Division  III.  Carapace    high    and    globular  in  front;   numerous 
parallel  grooves. 

Carapace  moderately  high,  richly  barred  with 
yellow,  but  slightly  serrated  in  rear.  Plastron 
yellow,  clouded  with  brown.  A  broad  band 
from  below  eye  to  throat;  a  yellow  spot  on  each 
temple;  other  head  markings  in  fine  lines. 

PENINSULA  TERRAPIN,  C.  nebulosa. 

Distribution. — Lower  California. 

Shell  distinctly  globular.  Markings  of  carapace 
similar  to  C.  rubriventris:  plastron  yellow,  with 
narrow  brown  markings. 

ALABAMA  TERRAPIN,  C.  alabamensis. 

Distribution. — Alabama. 


The  Terrapins 

Similar  to  preceding,   but   the  upper  jaw  is  very 
finely,  instead  of  coarsely  serrated. 

MOBILE  TERRAPIN,  C.  mobiliensis. 

Distribution. — Southern  portions  of  the  Gulf  States. 

Division  IV.   Shell   very    high    and  globular  in  front;  numerous 

parallel  grooves. 

Head  very  small,  with  fine,  yellow  lines. 
Carapace    black,    with    yellow    bands.      Plastron 
immaculate,  lemon  yellow. 

FLORIDA   TERRAPIN,  C.  floridana. 

Distribution. — Georgia  and  Florida. 

THE  PAINTED  TERRAPIN:  POND  TURTLE 
Chrysemys  picta,  (Herm.) 

Carapace  flat  and  perfectly  smooth,  the  borders  evenly 
rounded.  Plastron  wide — no  notches.  Maximum  length  about 
six  inches. 

Colouration. — Carapace  dark  olive,  brown  or  black,  the 
shields  quite  widely  margined  with  greenish  yellow;  marginal 
shields  of  the  carapace — above  and  beneath,  bordered  with 
crimson  and  containing  blotches  and  crescentic  markings  of 
that  hue.  Plastron  immaculate  yellow. 

The  crimson  markings  are  particularly  bright  on  young 
specimens;  very  young  individuals  have  a  broad,  yellow  band 
on  the  back.  On  very  old  specimens  there  is  little  or  no  trace 
of  red  on  the  upper  marginal  shields,  though  the  lower  shields 
nearly  always  show  this  characteristic  colour. 

Head  black,  striped  with  yellow;  the  neck  and  the  limbs 
are  striped  with  a  similar  red  as  seen  on  the  marginal  shields. 

Dimensions. — A  large  example  has  a  carapace  about  six 
inches  long,  but  such  is  above  the  average  dimensions,  which 
are  given: 

Length  of  Carapace 4!  inches. 

Width  of  3f  -,  ' 

Length  of  Plastron 4! 

Width  of  Plastron  to  junction  with  upper  shell,  3  J       " 

Distribution. — Eastern  North  America — from  New  Bruns- 
wick to  the  Gulf  of  Mexico.  In  the  extreme  South  it  extends 
westward  to  Louisiana.  It  is  particularly  abundant  in  the 
Middle  Atlantic  States. 

Habits. — Basking  on  a  partially  submerged  log  or  minia- 
ture island  of  bunch-grass  and  plunging  into  the  water  when 


THE  REPTILE  BOOK 


PLATE  XII 


Copyright,  1907,  by  Doubleday,  Page  &  Company 
EASTERN  PAINTED  TURTLE,  Chrysemys  picta. 
A  familiar  terrapin  of  eastern  North  America.     The  bright  markings  alone  are  sufficient  for  identification. 


Copyright,  1907,  by  Duubleday,  Page  &  Company 
WESTERN  PAINTED  TURTLE,  Chrysemys  marginata. 

Distinguished  from  the  preceding  species  by  the  narrower  yellow  margins  on  the  shields  of  the  upper  shell  and  an  elongate 
black  patch  on  the  plastron.     Found  in  the  Central  States. 


The  Terrapins 

frightened,  the  Painted  Terrapin  forms  a  typical  representative 
of  the  pond  turtles,  which  depend  upon  the  water  to  such  an 
extent  that  they  are  unable  to  feed  unless  beneath  the  surface 
of  this  element.  The  food  consists  of  aquatic  insects,  tadpoles, 
fishes  and  water  plants. 

Not  difficult  to  capture  and  very  attractive  in  its  colouration, 
this  terrapin  is  frequently  seen  in  a  captive  state,  but  as  an  in- 
mate of  an  aquarium  it  is  not  only  annoying,  but  dangerous 
to  the  other  life,  as  it  will  swim  after  the  fishes,  biting  at  their 
fins  and  tails,  and,  if  they  be  small  enough,  overpowering  and 
eating  them.  It  is  fond  of  raw  chopped  beef,  chopped  fish, 
earthworms  and  soft-bodied  insect  larvae.  If  lettuce  leaves 
be  left  floating  on  the  water,  it  will  browse  upon  these. 

THE  WESTERN  PAINTED  TERRAPIN 

Chrysemys  marginata,  (Agassiz) 

Size  and  structure  of  the  shell,  like  the  preceding.  Differs 
only  in  the  colouration. 

Colouration. — The  brilliant  red  markings  on  the  upper  and 
lower  marginal  shields  of  the  carapace,  are  present,  but  the 
yellowish  borders  of  the  larger  shields  are  very  narrow,  as  com- 
pared with  C.  picta.  Another  difference,  is  the  presence  of  a 
large,  blackish  patch  in  the  central  portion  of  the  plastron. 

Dimensions. — Length  of  Carapace    5J  inches. 

Width  of  3! 

Length  of  Plastron    5 

The  largest  specimen  examined  had  a  carapace  six  inches 
long. 

Distribution. — The  Central  States,  from  western  New  York 
to  Iowa;  possibly  extends  as  far  south  as  Louisiana. 

BELL'S   TERRAPIN 
Cbrysemys  belli,  (Gray) 

In  shape  the  carapace  is  similar  to  the  two  preceding  species, 
but  this  is  a  larger  terrapin.  It  is  most  nearly  allied  to  C.  cinerea. 
Colouration. — Carapace  dark  olive  or  brown;  the  yellowish 
borders  on  the  larger  shields  to  be  noted  with  the  two  preceding 
terrapin,  are  very  narrow,  or  absent.  On  some  specimens  the 
shields  are  narrowly  margined  with  black.  Traversing  the 

33 


The  Terrapins 

carapace  are  irregular,  vein-like  lines,  usually  crossing  the  cen- 
tres of  the  shields. 

The  markings  of  the  under,  marginal  shields  of  the  carapace 
are  less  brilliant  than  with  the  allied  species;  the  red  bars  may 
be  present  but  they  are  of  a  dull  hue. 

The  symmetrical,  black  pattern  on  the  plastron,  is  character- 
istic. This  is  well  illustrated  in  the  photograph.  The  markings 
on  the  head,  neck  and  limbs  appeal  to  the  Western  Painted 
Terrapin,  C.  Cinerea. 

Dimensions. — A  female  specimen  from  St.  Clair  County, 
Illinois,  shows  the  following  measurements: 

Length  of  Carapace 5!  inches 

Width    "  4i      " 

Length  of  Plastron    5^      " 

Total  Width     "      3*      " 

Width  of  Head i 

Distribution. — United  States  west  of  the  Mississippi  and 
Ohio  Rivers  to  British  Columbia  and  eastern  Oregon. 

THE    CHICKEN    TURTLE;    LONG-NECKED    TERRAPIN; 
RECTICULATED  TERRAPIN 

Chrysemys  reticulatus,   (Bosc.) 

The  Chicken  Turtle  belongs  to  the  first  group  of  the  genus, 
but  may  be  recognised  by  the  following  characteristics: 
j.     The  exceedingly  long,  snake-like  neck. 

2.  The  absence  of  red  markings  on  the  upper  and  lower 
marginal  shields. 

3.  The  yellow  bar  on  each  upper  marginal  shield. 

4.  The  broad,  yellow  band  on  the  forelimb. 

5.  The  narrow  and  rather  globular  shell. 

This  species  grows  to  a  length  of  eight  inches.  The  shell 
is  narrower  and  proportionately  higher  than  that  of  any  of  the 
terrapins.  Though  the  neck  is  extremely  long,  the  head  is  en- 
tirely retractile. 

Colouration. — Carapace  olive  or  brown,  with  a  net-work 
of  fine,  yellow  lines;  the  under  marginal  shields  are  yellow  and 
each  contains  a  black  blotch.  Plastron  immaculate  yellow. 

On  each  forelimb  is  i  wide,  cream-coloured  band;  the  under 
surface  of  the  tail  and  limbs  is  yellow,  as  is  the  greater 

34 


THE  REPTILE  BOOK 


PLATE  XIII 


BELL'S  TERRAPIN,  Chrysemys  belli 
Found  west  of  the  Mississippi  and  the  Ohio  rivers.     Note  the  characteristic  markings  on  the  under  shell 


The  neck  is  very  long  and  snake-like.     There  is  a  net-work  of  fine  yellow  lines  on  the  upper  shell      This  turtle  is  c 

southeastern  portion  of  the  United  States.     A  very  large  shell  is  about  ten  inches  long  the 


THE  REPTILE  BOOK 


Young  Painted  Terrapin 
Young  Florida  Terrapin 


3.45     Young  Lesueur's  Terrapin 

6     Young  Wood  and  Spotted  Turtle* 


The  Terrapins 

portion  of  the  throat,  though  there  are  several  pairs  of  black 
stripes.     Above,  the  head  is  traversed  by  narrow  stripes. 

Dimensions. — A  moderate-sized  example  from  Baker  Co., 
Ga.,  shows  these  measurements: 

Length  of  Carapace     5 £  inches. 

Width  of  3i 

Length  of  Plastron     4f 

Width,  Flat  Portion,  Plastron    i  f 

Length  of  Head  and  Neck     4 

Width  of  Head    £ 

The  largest  specimen  examined  by  the  writer  was  8J  inches  long 
(carapace)  and  weighed  3!  pounds.  The  shell  was  black  and  all 
trace  of  the  yellow,  reticulated  pattern  had  faded  with  age;  the  en- 
tire carapace  was  so  covered  with  small  furrows  as  to  appear  dull  and 
lustreless.  This  turtle  was  taken  near  Orlando,  Florida. 

Distribution. — States  east  of  the  Mississippi  River,  from 
North  Carolina  to  Florida  (inclusive). 

TROOST'S  TERRAPIN 
Chrysemys  troosti,  (Holbrook) 

Size  large — carapace  ten  inches;  shell  flat.  The  carapace 
is  bluntly  rounded  in  front;  more  sharply  rounded  in  the  rear 
with  dull  serrations  between  the  marginal  shields  and  in  the 
centre  of  each  of  them;  upper  shell  usually  quite  smooth — • 
sometimes  furrowed  on  the  sides. 

Colouration. — Owing  to  the  lack  of  yellow  stripes  on  the 
head,  neck  and  limbs,  this  species  is  distinct  from  the  others. 
On  a  few  examples  obscure,  greenish  stripes  may  be  seen  on  the 
head  and  neck,  but  unless  examined  closely,  these  organs  seem 
to  be  of  a  uniform  hue.  The  effect  is  very  different  from  the 
vividly-striped  head  of  nearly  all  the  larger  terrapin. 

The  colouration  of  the  shell  is  also  characteristic.  The 
carapace  is  olive,  profusely  blotched  with  black  and  irregularly 
so,  except  on  the  marginal  shields,  where  the  black  is  present 
at  their  junctions.  Plastron  yellow,  blotched  with  black. 

Dimensions. — Length  of  Carapace 8|  inches. 

Width  of  6£ 

Length  of  Plastron 7! 

Width,  Flat  Portion,  Plastron  ....  4 

Height  of  Shell  2f 

Width  of  Head if 

35 


The  Terrapins 

These  measurements  are  an  average  from  several  hundred 
examples  from  Fulton  Market,  New  York. 

As  with  most  of  the  terrapin,  the  claws,  particularly  of  the 
front  feet,  are  very  long;  the  longest  claw  on  the  front  foot,  of 
a  reptile  agreeing  with  the  above  measurements,  was  £  of  an 
inch  long. 

Distribution. — Missouri,  Illinois,  Tennessee  and  Mississippi. 
Large  numbers  are  received  at  the  markets  from  Illinois. 

HIEROGLYPHIC  TERRAPIN 

Cbrysemys  bieroglypbica,  (Holbrook) 

Shell  very  flat;  carapace  of  the  adult  perfectly  smooth. 
Rear  margin  of  the  carapace  more  deeply  notched  than  that  of 
the  preceding.  In  proportion  to  the  size  of  the  shell,  the  head 
is  very  small  and  narrow. 

Colouration. — Carapace  olive-brown,  traversed  by  rather 
broad,  yellow  bands  that  divide  it  into  various-sized  areas,  each 
of  which  contains  narrow,  concentric  lines  of  yellow.  Plastron 
yellow;  a  dark  blotch  on  the  border  of  each  marginal  shield. 

Dimensions. — An  adult  example  has  a  carapace  about 
twelve  inches  long;  the  height  of  the  shell  is  about  three  inches. 

Distribution. — Georgia,  Alabama  and  Tennessee. 

THE  BARRED  TERRAPIN;  RED-NECKED  TERRAPIN; 

COOTER 

Cbrysemys  concinna,  (LeConte) 

Shell  broad  and  flat;  bluntly  serrated  at  the  rear;  carapace 
furrowed  or  wrinkled  (rugose)  on  the  sides. 

Colouration. — Carapace  olive,  with  numerous,  irregular 
wavy  lines  and  bands  extending  downward;  these  are  generally 
edged  with  a  darker  hue  than  the  ground  colour.  There  is  a 
yellow,  vertical  line  in  the  centre  of  each  of  the  upper,  "marginal 
plates,  and  fine,  yellow,  ring-like  (concentric)  markings,  cross- 
ing from  one  shield  to  another.  Along  the  lower,  marginal 
shields  is  a  single  row  of  large,  dark  blotches.  Plastron  usually 
uniform  yellow. 

The  markings  on  the  upper  shell  resemble  those  of  C. 
elegans — the  Cumberland  Terrapin,  but  the  arrangement  of 
the  stripes  on  the  head  is  quite  different. 

Head  Markings. — Head  black,  with  rich,  orange  yellow  or  red 

36 


The  Terrapins 

stripes.  On  the  top  of  the  head  is  a  narrow  bar,  about  five- 
eighths  of  an  inch  in  length  (on  an  adult  of  average  size) ;  back  of 
this  and  to  each  side  of  it,  are  very  narrow,  forked  stripes.  A 
narrow  stripe  borders  the  eye  above,  thence  extends  over  the 
temples  where  it  broadens  and  runs  to  the  neck;  from  behind 
the  eye  is  another  band,  extending  to  the  neck;  beneath  the  eye 
is  a  wide  stripe  which  forks,  one  portion  passing  toward  the 
chin  and  the  other  backward  to  the  neck.  A  broad,  forked 
band  on  the  middle  of  the  chin. 

Dimensions. — Length  of  Carapace    12  inches. 

Width  of  8J 

Height  of      "          . .  , 4*      " 

Width  of  Head i* 

Distribution. — The  Southeastern  United  States,  from  the 
Carolinas  southward  to  Florida;  westward  to  Missouri. 

THE  FLORIDA  TERRAPIN 
Chrysemys  floridana,  (LeConte) 

At  once  distinguished  by  the  very  high  and  dome-like  cara- 
pace and  the  diminutive  head.  One  of  the  largest  species. 

Colouration. — Carapace  black  or  dark  brown,  with  wavy  yel- 
low crossbars.  Each  of  the  marginal  shields  has  a  single,  vertical 
yellow  line  in  the  centre;  here  we  note  a  difference  in  pattern 
from  the  most  nearly  related  species,  the  Mobile  Terrapin*  and  the 
Cooter.*  on  both  of  which  the  marginal  shields  contain,  besides 
the  upright  bar.  numerous  concentric  lines  of  the  same  colour. 

The  plastron  of  the  Florida  Terrapin  is  immaculate  lemon 
yellow. 

Head  intensely  black,  with  a  few,  fine,  yellow  lines.  The 
most  vivid  stripe  is  from  behind  the  eye  to  the  neck;  the  chin 
stripes  are  wide. 

Dimensions. — Following  are  the  measurements  of  an  ex- 
ample from  the  St.  John's  River,  Florida: 

Length  of  Carapace    13  inches. 

Height  of  Shell^ 5f 

Width  of  Carapace    9 

Length  of  Plastron    12^ 

Width,  Flat  Portion,  of  Plastron 5 

Width  of  Head}    i* 

Weight 144  Its. 

*  Chrysemys  mobiliensis  and  C.  concinna. 

f  Note  the  very  high  shell  and  the  small  head. 

37 


The  Terrapins 

Small  or  even  half-grown  individuals  do  not  exhibit  the 
marked,  globular  formation  of  the  carapace;  their  shell  is 
much  like  that  of  C.  concinna',  the  dome-like  development 
appears  with  maturity. 

Distribution. — From  the  records  at  hand,  this  species  seems 
to  be  restricted  to  southern  Georgia  and  Florida. 

THE  MOBILE  TERRAPIN 

Cbrysemys  mobiliensis,  (Holbrook) 

Another  terrapin  characterised  by  the  globular  formation 
of  the  front  of  the  carapace,  though  to  a  lesser  degree  than  with 
C.  floridana.  This  species  is  distinguished  by  the  very  fine 
serrations  of  the  upper  jaw. 

Colouration. — Markings  very  similar  to  C.  concinna.  Though 
the  carapace  is  more  highly  arched  than  with  that  species,  some 
authorities  consider  the  Mobile  Terrapin  to  be  but  a  larger, 
Southern  race  of  it.  We  will  provisionally  treat  this  reptile 
as  distinct,  owing  to  its  higher  shell  and  finely  serrated  upper 
mandible. 

Dimensions. — Attains  a  length  of  14  inches. 

Distribution. — Southern  portions  of  the  Gulf  States. 

THE  ALABAMA  TERRAPIN 
Chrysemys  ababamensis,  (Baur) 

Carapace  rather  high  and  globular  in  the  front.  Head 
of  fair  size. 

Colouration. — The  pattern  above  is  much  like  that  of  C. 
rubriventris,  but  the  plastron  is  yellow  instead  of  deep  orange  or 
red,  and  is  marked  with  brown  reticulations. 

Dimensions. — The  carapace  of  an  adult  example  is  about 
12  inches  long. 

Distribution. — The  type  specimens  were  taken  near  "-Mobile 
Bay,  Alabama,  which  locality  points  to  the  species  displaying 
a  tendency  to  frequent  salt  marshes. 

THE   RED-BELLIED   TERRAPIN 

Cbrysemys  rubriventris,  (LeConte) 

Differs  from  the  preceding  in  the  much  narrower  shell, 
which  is  well  rounded  at  the  front  and  rear  borders;  the  jaws 
are  deeply  serrated. 

33 


The  Terrapins 

Colouration. — The  carapace  is  brownish  or  olive,  with 
blotches,  streaks  or  irregular  bands  of  red.  Each  of  the  mar- 
ginal shields,  both  above  and  beneath,  have  a  reddish  band 
passing  through  the  centre.  Plastron  usually  dull  red,  or  deep 
orange,  tinged  with  red  at  the  borders. 

Head  markings. — Head  and  neck  dark  brown,  with  obscure, 
reddish  bands;  two  distinct,  narrow,  reddish-yellow  lines  from 
behind  the  eye  to  the  neck,  broad,  red  bands  on  the  throat. 

Dimensions. — Grows  to  a  length  of  about  twelve  inches; 
the  width  of  a  specimen  this  size  would  be  about  yi  inches  and 
the  height  of  the  shell  about  4^  inches. 

Distribution. — Occurs  in  eastern  Ohio,  Pennsylvania,  New 
Jersey,  Delaware,  Maryland,  the  two  Virginias  and  northern 
North  Carolina.  It  is  numerous  in  the  Delaware  River,  in  New 
Jersey  and  commonly  sold  in  the  larger  markets. 

Habits. — This  terrapin  occurs  principally  in  rivers  with  a 
rocky  bed. 

THE  YELLOW-BELLIED  TERRAPIN 

Chrysemys  scabra,  (Agassiz) 

The  carapace  of  this  terrapin  is  the  most  deeply  grooved 
of  any  of  the  species;  this  rugose  characteristic  is  at  once  strik- 
ing, upon  a  gross  examination  of  the  shell.  There  is  a  dull  keel 
on  the  central  portion ;  the  rear  border  is  notched.  Head  rather 
large. 

Colouration. — Carapace  olive,  brown  or  black,  with  dull, 
yellow  bands  extending  downward  from  the  central  portion. 
The  illustration  of  an  example  under  water,  clearly  delineates 
these  markings. 

With  the  adult,  there  are  practically  no  narrow,  yellow  lines 
on  the  head,  except  a  single  yellow  stripe  on  the  crown.  Behind 
the  eye  is  a  broad,  upright,  yellow  bar — this,  sometimes  in  the 
shape  of  a  thick  C — occasionally,  though  rarely,  it  is  seen  as 
a  wide  band,  from  the  eye  to  the  angle  of  the  mouth;  from  the 
tip  of  the  snout  to  the  upper  mandible  is  another  yellow  bar. 

Plastron  usually  immaculate  yellow.  Lower  marginal 
shields  of  carapace  yellow;  a  dark  blotch  in  each. 

Dimensions. — Average  length  of  carapace  10  inches;  width, 
6|;  length  of  plastron,  9!  inches;  height  of  shell,  3!  inches. 

39 


The  Terrapins 

Distribution. — The  range  of  the  Yellow-bellied  Terrapin 
is  restricted. 

It  occurs  from  Virginia  to  Georgia.  Holbrook  says  it  does 
not  extend  into  the  interior.  He  was  not  aware  of  its  existence 
two  hundred  miles  from  the  coast.  It  lives  about  pools  of  stag- 
nant water  and  in  marshes,  where  specimens  may  be  seen  sunning 
on  derelict  timber.  Large  numbers  are  brought  to  the  Charleston 
markets,  where  they  are  sold  at  a  much  lower  figure  than  the 
diamond-back  terrapin — Malacoclemmys  palustris. 

THE   CUMBERLAND   TERRAPIN 

Cbrysemys  elegans,  (Wied) 

Outlines  of  the  shell  similar  to  the  preceding,  but  the  cara- 
pace is  not  so  deeply  furrowed. 

Colouration. — Markings  on  the  carapace  similar  to  C.  scripta, 
but  the  colouration  of  the  plastron  and  head  is  entirely  different. 
Plastron  yellow,  densely  clouded  with  black  or  dark  brown. 

Head  markings. — The  pattern  of  the  head  is  constant, 
vivid  and  characteristic.  Top  and  sides  of  the  head  with  crowded, 
pale  greenish-yellow  lines;  from  tbe  eye  to  tie  base  of  the  bead 
is  a  broad  band  of  rich  crimson. 

Dimensions. — Average  length  of  carapace,  10  inches;  width, 
yj  inches;  length  of  plastron,  9^  inches. 

Distribution. — Extends  over  a  considerable  area — Ohio 
to  Kansas,  southward  to  the  Gulf  States  and  to  the  lower  Rio 
Grande  River. 

Habits. — Very  hardy  as  a  captive.  It  eats  chopped  fish 
and  meat,  and  very  tender  green  vegetables  that  may  be  thrown 
upon  the  water.  Large  numbers  may  be  seen  in  the  markets, 
where  they  are  sold  as  "Sliders." 

THE  TEXAS  TERRAPIN 

Cbrysemys  texana,  (Baur) 

Shell  rather  flat ;  not  deeply  furrowed.     Head  of  fair  size. 
The  original   description*  reads:    "Skull   small,   similar  to 
P.f   rubriventris.     Upper  jaw   notched   in   the   centre,   with    a 
rounded  tooth  on  each  side,  not  so  prominent  as  in  P.  rubriventris. 
Lower  jaw  similar  to  P.  rubriventris. 

*  Proc.  Am.  Philosophical  Society.  Phila.  XXXI,  No.  141,  page  223. 
t  Stands  for  Pseudemys — a  generic  name  proposed  for  the  terrapins. 

40 


THE  REPTILE  BOOK 


PLATE  XV 


Copyright,  1907,  by  Doubleday,  Page  &  Company 
YELLOW-BELLIED  TERRAPIN,  Chrysemys  scabra. 

One  of  the  market  terrapins.     A  full-grown  shell  is  about  eleven  inches  long  and  characterised  by  numerous  parallel  furrows. 
Found  in  the  coast  region — North  Carolina  to  Georgia. 


Copyright,  1907.  by,  Doubk^ay;'Pagt;  cj  Cbv.panjr  • , 
CUMBERLAND  TERRAPIN,  Chrysemys  elegant.  "'°  >"**•.:,,  J  J  "  ".,,'  ;•„* 


Closely  allied  to  C.  scabra,  though  at  once  distinct  by  the  red  band  on  each  side  of  the  head.     Occurs  in  the 
Central  States — Illinois  to  Texas. 


The  Terrapins 

Colouration. — "The  colouration  of  the  head  is  quite  different 
from  the  other  species.  A  yellow,  longitudinal  spot  behind 
the  eye;  behind  this  a  yellow  line,  ending  in  a  long  longitudinal 
spot  above  the  temples;  from  the  lower,  posterior  portion  of 
the  eye  a  yellow  line  appears,  sending  a  branch  upward  in  front 
of  the  tympanic  cavity,  and  continues  behind  on  the  neck.  Three 
very  strong  yellow  and  some  slender  yellow  stripes  on  lower 
face  of  neck." 

Distribution. — Texas  and  probably  northern  Mexico.  Has 
been  taken  at  San  Antonio  and  along  the  Pecos  River. 

THE  PENINSULA  TERRAPIN 
Cbrysemys  nebulosa,  (Van  Denburgh) 

Allied  to  a  Mexican  and  Central  American  species — C. 
ornala.  The  shell  is  of  moderate  height,  bluntly  keeled  and 
rugose  on  the  sides. 

Colouration. — Carapace  olive,  with  numerous  yellow  and 
irregular  yellow  bands  and  blotches.  A  black  blotch  in  each 
marginal  shield,  above  and  beneath.  Plastron  yellow,  clouded 
with  brown  in  the  central  portion. 

Head  dark  brown,  marked  with  fine,  wavy  lines  on  the  top; 
a  broad  band  from  beneath  the  eye  to  the  throat;  a  yellow 
blotch  on  each  temple,  continued  backward  on  the  neck  as  a 
narrow  band. 

Dimensions. — Reaches  a  length  of  12  inches. 

Distribution. — Southern  portion  of  the  peninsula  of  Lower 
California. 

The  Genus  Malacodemmys'.  The  six  species  comprising 
this  genus  are  of  large  size — from  8  to  12  inches  in  length.  Ex- 
cluding one  species,  which  has  a  very  rough  shell — the  Diamond- 
back  Terrapin — these  turtles  exhibit  a  strong  similarity  to  the 
species  of  the  preceding  genus,  and  like  them,  are  sold  in  great 
numbers  in  the  markets  as  "Slider"  terrapin,  with  the  exception 
of  the  "Diamond-back."  That  species  is  the  choice,  over  all 
other  terrapin,  by  the  epicures,  and  brings  four  or  five  times 
the  price  of  species  that  are  included  within  the  genus  to  which 
it  belongs,  though  the  former  may  considerably  exceed  it  in 
size. 

The  species  of  this  genus  are  characterised,  among  the 
terrapin,  by  the  strong  keel  upon  the  carapace — this  usually 


The  Terrapins 

protruding  so  abruptly  from  the  shell  as  to  produce  a  bluntly 
serrated  margin  to  the  curve  of  the  back.  The  species  have 
very  large  and  extensively  webbed  hind  feet.  The  claws  of  the 
front  feet  do  not  exhibit  the  extensive  development  to  be  noted 
with  the  species  of  the  preceding  genus. 

From  Chrysemys,  this  genus  is  technically  separated  by  the 
structure,  in  the  latter,  of  the  inner  margin  of  the  jaws,  which,  im- 
mediately within  the  sharp  edge  of  the  mandibles,  are  provided 
with  very  broad  and  flat  crushing  surfaces.  Upon  an  examination 
of  these  crushing  surfaces,  theory  would  point  to  a  food  consist- 
ing of  molluscs.  Such  is  actually  the  case.  Most  of  these  tur- 
tles have  been  found  to  feed  largely  upon  small  species  of  snails. 

Male  and  female  specimens  differ  considerably  in  size,  the 
females  being  much  larger  and  with  proportionately  larger  heads 
than  the  males. 

The  tail  of  male  speciments  is  long  and  thick,  proportion- 
ately longer  than  with  any  species  of  Chrysemys. 

Following  is  a  key  to  the  species  of  Malacoclemmys: 

Shell  broad  and  flat  with  all  the  species;  not  globular:  rising 
to  rather  a  sharp  apex  which  is  surmounted  by  a  broken  keel,  rep- 
resented by  high,  ridge-like  nodules. 

a.     Shell  smooth,  with  a  dull  lustre. 

*Keel  moderately  developed,  not  rising  in  the  form  of 
tubercles. 

Olive,  sometimes  with  black  blotches. 
A  net-work  of  fine,  yellow  lines. 

GEOGRAPHIC  TERRAPIN,   M.  geographica 
Distribution. — Mississippi  Valley  and  western  por- 
tions of  Atlantic  states. 

**Keel  rising  in  the  form  of  tubercles,  giving  line  of 
back  a  serrated  appearance. 
Olive,  with  large,  round,  black  blotches. 
No   yellow   net-work.     Head    with    narrow,  .yellow 
lines  and  a  wider,  yellow  crescent  behind  eye. 

LESUEUR'S   TERRAPIN,    M.    lesueurii. 
Distribution. — Mississippi  Valley. 
Carapace    like    preceding.     A    large    yellow    spot 
behind  eye.     A  narrow  line  from  above  eye;  short- 
er lines  beneath.        KOHN'S  TERRAPIN,  M.  kohnii. 
Distribution. — Lower  Mississippi  Valley. 
Pale,    olive;    no    large    blotches;   marginal    shields 
marked  with  yellow.     Space  between   the  eyes 
with  a  broad,  yellow  figure,  splitting  into  bands 
behind  the  eyes.       BAUR'S  TERRAPIN,  M.  pulcbra. 
42 


The  Terrapins 

Distribution. — Taken  only  on   the  Alabama  River. 

Olive;  each  of  the  shields  enclose  a  yellow  ring 
bordered  inside  and  outside  with  dark  brown. 
A  yellow  spot  behind  eye  and  two  yellow  stripes  to 
the  neck.  OCCELLATED  TERRAPIN,  M.  oculifera. 

Distribution. — Lower  Mississippi  Valley. 
b.  Shell  rough,  the  shields  enclosing  raised,  concentric  areas. 

Dull  brownish  or  olive.     Head  pale  gray  with  black 

dots.  DIAMOND-BACK   TERRAPIN,  M.    palustris. 

Distribution. — Salt  marshes  of  the  Atlantic  coast 

and  Gulf  of  Mexico. 
Detailed  descriptions  of  these  species  follow: 

THE  GEOGRAPHIC  TERRAPIN;  MAP  TURTLE 

Malacoclemmys  geographica,  (Lesueur) 

The  species  grows  to  a  considerable  size — 10  to  12  inches. 
The  females  are  considerably  larger  than  the  males  and  have 
proportionately  very  large  heads.  The  carapace  is  rather  flat 
and  flaring  at  the  rear  margin,  where  the  junction  of  the  shields 
form  moderate  notches.  On  the  centre  of  the  carapace  is  a 
well-defined,  but  dull  keel.  The  surface  of  the  carapace  is  quite 
smooth  and  exhibits  a  dull  lustre  with  adult  specimens,  though 
faint  ridges  are  usually  to  be  seen  on  the  sides. 

Colouration. — The  carapace  is  dull  olive,  with  a  fine  and 
irregular  net-work  of  yellow  lines.  These  markings  are  very 
indistinct  on  some  specimens  and  show  only  when  the  shell  is 
moist.  Some  specimens  have  many  dark  blotches  on  the 
carapace.  The  marginal  shields  of  the  under  side  of  the  cara- 
pace are  peculiarly  marked;  they  are  yellow  and  contain  round, 
olive  markings,  consisting  of  one  ring  within  another,  but  on  very 
old  specimens  these  markings  may  be  present  merely  in  the 
form  of  a  dull  blotch. 

The  plastron  is  yellow  and  immaculate,  with  the  exception 
of  very  narrow  borders  of  darker  colours  following  the  edges 
of  the  shields  across  the  shell. 

Head  markings. — The  head  and  neck  are  very  dark  olive, 
with  many  narrow  and  parallel,  greenish-yellow  lines.  These 
lines  are  more  numerous  than  is  the  case  with  the  other  terrapin. 
A  short  distance  behind  the  eye  is  a  triangular  spot  of  the  same 
colour  as  the  stripes. 

The  tail  of  male  specimens  is  long — almost  half  the  length 
of  the  plastron — and  brightly  striped  with  yellow. 

43 


The  Terrapins 

Dimensions. — The  measurements  quoted  are  from  a  fair- 
sized  female  specimen,  taken  near  Sandusky,  Ohio: 

Total  length  of  Carapace 9^  inches. 

Width  of  Carapace 7j 

Length  of  Plastron 8 

Width,  Flat  Portion,  of  Plastron    4 

Width  of  Head i£ 

A  specimen  of  this  size  will  weigh  about  three  and  a  half 
pounds  and  sells  for  about  seventy-five  cents  in  the  eastern 
markets. 

Distribution. — The  species  is  abundant  in  the  Valley  of  the 
Mississippi,  whence,  in  the  North  it  extends  eastward  into  Penn- 
sylvania and  New  York  to  Lake  Champlain.  It  occurs  as  far 
south  as  Louisiana. 

Habits. — Judging  from  his  experiences  with  several  hundred 
specimens  of  this  turtle,  both  in  the  tanks  of  the  reptile  house 
of  the  New  York  Zoological  Park  and  with  specimens  that  were 
liberated  in  small  ponds  of  the  Park,  the  writer  believes  this 
to  be  a  delicate  species  when  removed  from  its  native  environ- 
ment. It  will  eat  chopped  fish,  meat  and  mealworms,  also  earth- 
worms and  various  soft-bodied  grubs,  dragging  all  its  food  into 
the  water  and  devouring  it  beneath  the  surface.  The  writer 
has  also  observed  it  to  eat  the  edges  of  water-lily  pads.  None 
of  the  specimens  liberated  in  the  Park  ponds  passed  through 
the  winter  alive — all  floating  up  dead  in  the  spring.  The  ponds 
appeared  to  be  very  favorable  for  the  life  of  such  creatures  as 
there  was  a  soft  mud  bottom  in  which  they  could  burrow  for 
the  winter.  The  experiment  was  continued  for  several  winters, 
but  with  a  like  result.  It  appeared  that  some  item  of  their 
food  was  lacking  and  without  it  they  could  not  summon  sufficient 
strength  to  pass  the  winter  months. 

v 
LESUEUR'S  TERRAPIN 

Malacodemmys  lesueurii,  (Gray) 

Attains  the  same  length  as  the  preceding  species.  The 
carapace  is  flaring  at  the  rear  and  strongly  notched  at  the  sutures 
of  the  marginal  shields.  The  centre  of  the  carapace  rises  rather 
sharply  and  is  surmounted  by  a  high  keel,  broken  into  a  series 
of  tubercles — one  in  each  shield.  This  formation  produces  a 
strongly  serrated  outline  to  the  curve  of  the  back.  The  surface 

44 


The  Terrapins 

of  the  carapace  is  quite  smooth,  with  a  dull  lustre,  although 
blunt  ridges  are  discernible  on  the  sides. 

Colouration. — The  carapace  is  dull  olive,  or  brownish  above, 
with  a  few  coarse  and  indistinct  yellow  lines.  On  each  of  the 
shields  is  one  or  two  large  blotches  of  black  or  dark  brown.  These 
blotches  impart  a  characteristic  appearance  and  greatly  assist 
in  separating  the  species  from  the  Map  Terrapin,  although  the 
much  heavier  and  tubercular  keel  is  another  strong  character. 

The  marginal  shields  of  the  underside  of  the  carapace  show 
the  dark,  concentric  blotches  like  the  former  species.  The 
plastron  is  immaculate  yellow;  occasionally  marbled  or  lined 
with  gray  or  brown. 

Head  markings. — The  head  is  large,  with  sharply-pointed 
snout  and  the  colouration  is  quite  distinct.  There  are  but  few 
lines  on  the  top  of  the  head,  which  is  dark  olive  or  black.  The 
lines  are  vivid  yellow.  One  of  these  begins  at  the  snout  and 
extends  backward  for  a  little  distance  past  the  eyes  where  it 
abruptly  terminates.  Behind  each  eye  is  a  bright  yellow  mark 
in  the  form  of  a  crescent,  which  connects  with  parallel  lines 
extending  along  the  head  and  neck.  Behind  the  crescents  are 
finer  markings,  which  on  many  specimens,  fork  in  vein-like 
fashion.  The  limbs  and  tail  are  brightly  striped. 

Dimensions. — Length  of  Carapace of   inches 

Width  of  7j      " 

Length  of  Plastron 8J 

Width,  Flat  Portion,  of  Plastron  .  .  4!       " 
Width  of  Head 2 

It  will  be  noted,  on  comparing  the  different  measurements 
that  the  head  of  this  species  is  proportionately  large.  The 
measurements  are  of  a  female  specimen.  It  was  taken  in  Illinois 
and  weighed  exactly  four  pounds.  Specimens  like  it  were  sell- 
ing in  the  eastern  markets — in  November — at  $1.25  each,  under 
the  title  of  "Sliders." 

Distribution. — Valley  of  the  Mississippi  River.  The  species 
occurs  from  Ohio  to  Mississippi,  inclusive. 

Habits. — Captive  specimens  are  delicate  and  live  but  a 
few  months.  They  do  best  if  supplied  with  running  water, 
with  means  of  leaving  the  same — rockwork  or  a  log.  Market- 
men  tell  the  writer  that  to  keep  a  large  number  of  specimens 
alive  for  some  time,  it  is  necessary  to  keep  them  very  cold — at 

45 


a  temperature  of  about  45°  F.  They  are  very  fat  when  received 
at  the  markets  in  the  fall  and  in  the  cold  vaults  in  which  they 
are  usually  stored  they  remain  so  sluggish  that  this  fat  is  not 
"worked  off."  Placed  in  an  ordinary  room  temperature  they 
rapidly  emaciate. 

KOHN'S  TERRAPIN 
Malacodemmys  kobnii,  (Baur) 

This  species  was  described  by  the  late  Dr.  G.  Baur  in  1890.* 
He  explains  that  the  form  of  the  shell  is  much  like  that  of  an- 
other of  his  new  species,  technically  called  M.  oculifera,  and 
which  the  writer  has  popularly  termed  the  Occellated  Terrapin. 

Colouration. — The  carapace  resembles  that  of  Lesueur's 
Terrapin,  but  the  colouration  of  the  head  is  quite  different. 
There  is  a  large,  yellow  spot  behind  the  eye,  and  a  thin  yellow 
line,  connecting  with  a  snorter  one,  extending  backward  from 
the  upper  portion  of  the  eye. 

Distribution. — The  species  appears  to  inhabit  those  states 
in  and  adjacent  to  the  lower  Mississippi  Valley.  It  has  been 
taken  at  Bayou  Lafourche,  Bayou  Teche  and  St.  Martinsville, 
Louisiana;  also  near  Pensacola,  Florida. 

BAUR'S  TERRAPIN 

Malacodemmys  pulcbara,  (Baur)f 

The  head  markings  of  this  species  are  the  strongest  charac- 
ters for  identification.  The  original  description  states:  "The 
whole  space  between  and  behind  the  orbits  is  characterised  by 
a  continuous,  yellow  figure,  which  sends  backward,  on  each  side, 
behind  each  orbit,  a  strong  process  of  the  same  colour." 

The  carapace  is  pale  olive,  with  yellow  markings  about 
the  margin;  the  plastron  is  yellow,  with  darker  markings.  The 
species  attains  an  average  size  for  this  genus. 

Distribution. — The  exact  range  of  the  species  is  not  known. 
The  type  specimens  were  taken  on  the  Alabama  River,  near 
Montgomery.  Alabama. 

*' Science.  November  7,  1890.     Vol.  16. 

t  Described  by  G.  Baur  in  the  American  Naturalist  of  1893,  p.  675. 

46 


THE  REPTILE  BOOK 


PLATE  XVI 


One  of  the  larger  terrapins  sold  in  the  markets  under  the  general  title  of  "Sliders."     Among  the  bigger  species  of  Chrysemys,  this  is  the 

least  attractive  in  colouration 


YOUXG  OF  THE  YELLOW-BELLIED  TERRAPIN,  Chrysemys  scabra 
The  young  of  the  various  terrapins  are  vividly  marked.     The  illustrations  are  life-size 


THE  REPTILE  BOOK 


PLATE  XVII 


1 


FLORIDA  TERRAPIN,  Chryscmys  fioridana.     Young 


The  Terrapins 

THE  OCCELLATED  TERRAPIN 

Malacoclemmys  oculifera,  (Baur) 

Owing  to  the  striking  markings  of  the  carapace,  this  species 
should  be  readily  indentified.  The  conformation  of  the  shell 
appeals  to  Lesueur's  Terrapin,  but  the  tubercles  on  the  back  are 
yet  more  highly  developed. 

Colouration. — Upper  shell  olive.  Each  of  the  shields  con- 
tains a  yellow  ring,  which  is  bordered  on  the  inside  and  outside 
with  dark  olive-brown.  The  plastron  is  yellow  with  darker 
markings  in  the  central  portion. 

There  is  a  yellow  spot  behind  the  eye  and  two  yellow  stripes 
from  the  eye  backward.  Beneath,  there  is  a  yellow  band  cover- 
ing the  whole  lower  jaw. 

Distribution. — The  species  has  been  taken  at  Mandersville, 
Louisiana,  and  at  Pensacola,  Florida. 

THE   DIAMOND-BACK  TERRAPIN 

Malacoclemmys  palustris,  (Gmel.) 

The  species  differs  from  all  the  others  of  its  genus  in  the 
rough  character  of  the  carapace.  Each  of  the  shields  contains 
a  number  of  concentric  grooves,  rising  in  step-like  fashion.  It 
is  owing  to  the  angular,  and  concentric  areas  embraced  by  the 
shields  that  the  popular  name — "diamond-back" — has  originated. 
A  well-defined  keel  is  represented  by  a  blunt  ridge,  rising  within 
each  of  the  central  shields;  the  highest  of  these  ridges  is  in  the 
central  or  middle  shield  of  the  back.  Examined  from  the  side, 
the  keel  appears  as  a  series  of  serrations. 

Colouration. — The  carapace  is  grayish  or  olive,  sometimes 
with  darker  concentric  markings  which  appeal  to  the  arrange- 
ment of  the  grooves.  The  lower  border  of  the  carapace  is  olive, 
each  plate  embracing  hollow  black  squares  or  blotches.  The 
plastron  is  deep  yellow,  with  numerous  black  dots  in  rows'  and 
dusky  bands  extending  crosswise. 

With  very  young  specimens  the  upper  shell  is  almost  white, 
with  black,  concentric  markings. 

The  head  markings  of  the  adult  are  strong  and  constant. 
There  are  no  stripes.  The  head,  neck  and  all  the  exposed, 
fleshy  parts  are  slaty  gray,  profusely  covered  with  rounded, 
black  dots. 

47 


The  Terrapins 

Dimensions.  —  The  present  species  is  the  smallest  of  the 
genus.  The  maximum  size  is  ten  inches,  and  this  is  consider- 
ably above  the  average,  which  is  about  eight  inches.  Speci- 
mens of  the  latter  size  are  now  becoming  rare. 

Following  are  the  measurements  of  a  specimen  now  con- 
sidered in  the  markets  to  be  of  fair  size,  and  selling  for  about 
$6  each: 

Length  of  Carapace  ......................  7^  inches. 


Length  of  Plastron  .....................  6^      " 

Width,  Flat  Portion,  of  Plastron  .........  3$ 

Weight  ................................  2   pounds. 

For  every  half  an  inch  over  these  measurements,  the  mar- 
ket prices  soar  upward  substantially.  A  specimen  slightly  over 
eight  inches  in  length,  from  the  same  lot  as  the  specimen  measured 
was  marked  at  $8.  The  man  selling  these  turtles  informed  the 
writer  that  the  prices  for  specimens  over  seven  inches  in  length 
might  actually  be  said  to  increase  f  i  for  every  additional  half 
an  inch  in  length.  Specimens  under  6  inches  are  of  but  slight 
value  in  the  markets.  A  turtle  about  five  inches  in  length  will 
sell  for  about  $1.50.  Every  year  these  turtles  are  becoming 
scarcer  and  the  prices  higher. 

Distribution.  —  Salt  marshes  of  the  Atlantic  Coast  and  southern 
borders  of  the  Gulf  States,  from  Massachusetts  to  Texas. 

Habits.  —  In  its  habit  of  persistently  selecting  salt  and 
brackish  waters,  this  species  differs  from  the  other  terrapin. 
It  occurs  principally  in  the  salt  marshes  along  the  coast,  but  not  a 
few  specimens  are  found  well  up  the  rivers,  though  always  within 
tide  line.  On  the  Hudson  the  writer  has  taken  them  as  far 
north  as  Newburgh. 

The  species  does  not  live  long  in  captivity  unless  provided 
with  salt  water.  Kept  in  fresh  water  its  skin  becomes  infected 
with  fungus  which  soon  kills  the  reptile.  If  provided  With  a 
tank  containing  artificial  "sea-water"  it  seems  hardy  enough 
and  lives  for  an  indefinite  period.  The  water  may  be  prepared 
by  adding  common  salt  until  it  yields  a  brackish  taste.  Chopped 
clams  and  oysters  are  foods  of  captive  specimens,  though  they 
will  also  take  small  fish  and  raw  meat.  They  are  also  fond 
of  the  small  "periwinkle"  snails  so  common  on  the  mud  flats 
exposed  by  the  shore  tides  and  the  writer  has  observed  a  wild 

48 


The  Terrapins 

specimen  voraciously  eating  a  small  "fiddler"  crab.  As  the 
jaws  are  very  powerful  they  have  no  trouble  in  crushing  the 
shells  of  such  creatures.  Judging  from  the  tendency  of  captive 
specimens  to  nibble  at  lettuce  leaves  that  are  thrown  into  their 
tank,  wild  individuals  undoubtedly  feed  in  part  upon  the  various 
species  of  sea-weed.  Like  the  other  terrapin  the  species  always 
takes  its  food  under  water. 

Owing  to  the  very  broad,  extensively  webbed  hind  feet 
this  turtle  is  perfectly  at  home  in  the  water  and  has  a  habit  of 
floating  with  just  the  tip  of  its  snout  above  the  surface,  the 
shell  being  kept  in  a  perpendicular  position  by  a  slow,  treading 
motion  of  the  hind  feet. 

Although  this  species  ranges  well  into  the  North,  it  is  more 
abundant  and  attains  a  larger  size  in  warmer  waters.  It  occurs 
most  commonly  in  those  numerous  indentations  of  the  Atlantic 
coast  from  the  Chesapeake,  to  Savannah,  Georgia.  Its  great 
favour  as  an  article  of  diet  threatens  its  ultimate  extinction. 

The  Genus  Chelopus:  The  small  species  of  this  genus  are 
fairly  aquatic,  though  not  to  such  an  extent  as  the  larger  terrapin. 
One  species  evinces  a  decided  inclination  toward  terrestrial 
habits,  though  it  is  seldom  found  away  from  damp  areas.  Three 
of  the  species  inhabit  the  Eastern  states  and  one,  the  Pacific 
Region. 

The  Wood  Terrapin,  C.  insculptus,  is  the  largest  species, 
attaining  a  length  of  about  eight  inches.  The  Western  Pond 
Turtle,  C.  marmoratus,  is  but  slightly  smaller.  The  remaining 
two  species  grow  to  a  maximum  size  of  about  four  inches — in 
length  of  shell.  The  feet  of  these  turtles  are  not  extensively 
webbed. 

The  characters  of  the  four  species  may  be  thus  outlined : 

a.  Shell  quite  smooth;  not  serrated  in  rear. 

Carapace  black,  with  scattered,  round,  yellow  spots. 
Head  black,  with  small  yellow  blotches. 

SPOTTED  TURTLE,  C.  guttatus. 

Distribution. — Eastern  States. 

Carapace  black  or  brown,  each  shield  with  a  dull, 
reddish  blotch.  A  large,  orange  blotch  on  each  side 
of  head.  MUHLENBERG'S  TURTLE,  C.  muhlenbergii. 

Distribution. — New  York,  New  Jersey,  and  Pennsyl- 
vania. 

49 


The  Terrapins 

Carapace  black,  each  shield  enclosing  a  cluster  of  fine, 
yellow  spots.     WESTERN  POND  TURTLE,  C.  marmoratus. 

Distribution. — Pacific  Region. 

b.  Shell  with  coarse,  concentric  grooves;  serrated  in  the  rear. 
Carapace  brown.     Neck  and  limbs  brick  red. 

WOOD  TERRAPIN,  C.  inSCulptUS. 

Distribution. — Eastern  States. 


Detailed  descriptions  follow: 


THE  SPOTTED  TURTLE;  POND  TURTLE 
Chelopus  guttatus,  (Schneider) 

Carapace  smooth,  quite  flat  and  oval  in  outline.  The 
edges  are  evenly  rounded  with  no  indications  of  serrations.  An 
adult  specimen  is  from  three  to  four  inches  long.  The  feet  are 
sparsely  webbed;  the  upper  jaw  deeply  notched. 

Colouration. — Upper  shell  black,  with  numerous,  irregularly 
scattered,  round,  yellow  spots.  The  plastron  and  lower  margin 
of  the  carapace  are  black,  with  patches  of  faded  yellow. 

Above,  the  head  is  black,  with  a  few  yellow  spots  in  front 
and  a  larger  spot,  of  a  deeper  yellow  (orange)  over  the  region 
of  the  ear.  Lower  surfaces  of  the  limbs  and  the  fleshy  parts, 
pale  salmon. 

Dimensions. — The  following  measurements  represent  an 
average-sized  specimen : 

Length  of  Carapace   3!  inches. 

Width  "  2|      " 

Length  of  Plastron 3^      " 

Width,  Flat   Portion,  Plastron 2j       " 

Width  of  Head f 

Male  specimens  have  a  much  longer  tail  than  the  other  sex. 
The  tail  of  a  male  individual  with  upper  shell  slightly  under  4 
inches  long,  shows  a  length  of  if  inches;  the  tail  of  a  female  speci- 
men of  the  same  length,  is  but  f  of  an  inch  long. 

Distribution. — An  abundant  species  in  the  Eastern  States, 
ranging  from  Maine  (inclusive)  to  northern  North  Carolina 
and  westward  to  Indiana. 

Habits. — The  familiar  Spotted  Turtle  is  one  of  the  most 
aquatic  species  of  its  genus.  It  is  common  about  ponds,  marshes 
and  small  streams,  where  numerous  specimens  may  be  seen, 
sociably  assembled  on  a  floating  log  or  other  objects  that  pro- 
trude above  the  water,  whence  there  is  an  undignified  tumble 

5° 


THE  REPTILE  BOOK 


PLATE  XVIII 


GEOGRAPHIC  TERRAPIN,  Malacoclemmys  geographica 

An  abundant  species  in  the  Ohio  and  the  Mississippi  valleys.      The  females  are  much  the  largest,  having  a  shell  about  10  inches  long. 
This  terrapin  is  often  sold  in  the  eastern  markets  under  the  title  of  "  Slider  " 


LESUEUR'S  TERRAPIN,  Malacoclemmys  lesueurii 

By  the  high,  serrated\ack,  the  peculiar  head  markings,  and  the  absence  of  a  reticulated  pattern,  this  species  is  distinguished  from  the 
Geographic  Terrapin.     Common  in  the  Mississippi  Valley 


THE  REPTILE  BOOK 


PLATE  XIX 


DIAMOND    BACK    TERRAPIN,  Malacoclemmys  palustris.     Adult 


DIAMOND  BACK  TERRAPIN,  Malacoclemr.tys  Paluslris 
Great,,  estee.ed  as  an  article  of  diet      Speci.ens^  a  she,  SincH, 


DIAMOND  BACK  TERRAPIN,  Malacoclemmys 


he  species  ^uents  Salt 


WOOD  TURTLE,   Chdopns  insculptus 
By  a  bill  passed  recently  in  the  state  of  New  York,  this  species  is  protected  from  capture  and  sale  in  the  markets 


The  Terrapins 

and  dive  for  safety  upon  the  slightest  disturbance.  The  writer 
has  found  many  specimens  along  brooks  that  here  and  there 
spread  into  thick  grassy  spots.  It  is  in  this  water-grass  that  the 
turtles  delight  to  hide,  after  feeding.  The  species  always  feeds 
under  water  and,  in  fact,  appears  to  be  unable  to  swallow  unless 
the  head  is  submerged.  The  food  consists  largely  of  dead  fish 
and  the  larvae  of  aquatic  insects.  Captive  specimens  will  eat 
the  tender  leaves  of  lettuce  if  these  be  thrown  upon  the  surface  of 
their  tank.  It  therefore  appears  probable  that  they  feed  upon 
various  water  plants  as  well,  while  in  a  wild  condition. 

MUHLENBERG'S  TURTLE 

Chelopus  muhlenbergii,  (Schweigger) 

Carapace  very  similar  to  that  of  the  preceding,  but  nar- 
rower, and  showing  fine,  concentric  grooves  on  small  specimens 
and  young  adults. 

Colouration. — Carapace  black  or  dull  brown,  with  dull 
yellowish  or  reddish  markings  in  the  centre  of  each  of  the  larger 
shields.  These  markings  look  like  the  outlines  of  a  drop  of 
fluid  that  has  fallen  from  some  height  and  splashed  irregularly 
in  all  directions.  The  plastron  is  black  with  yellow  blotches. 

The  head  is  black,  with  a  large  patch  of  brilliant  orange- 
yellow  on  each  temple. 

The  higher  and  narrower  carapace,  the  absence  of  yellow 
dots,  and  the  presence  of  the  large  and  brilliant  orange  blotches 
on  the  temples,  at  once  distinguish  this  species  from  the  Spotted 
Turtle. 

Dimensions. — Length  of  Carapace 4    inches. 

Width  "  2| 

Length  of  Plastron   3^ 

Width,  Flat   Portion,  Plastron  ...  if 

Length  of  Tail  (Male) if 

Width  of  Head | 

Distribution. — Restricted  to  the  southern  portion  of  New 
York  state,  New  Jersey  generally,  and  eastern  Pennsylvania. 
It  is  very  rare  in  some  localities  and  fairly  abundant  in  others. 
The  writer  has  captured  several  specimens  on  the  palisades  of 
the  Hudson  River  and  received  several  dozen  specimens  from 
Staten  Island,  New  York. 

Habits. — In  habits  Muhlenberg's  Turtle  occupies  a  position 

Si 


The  Terrapins 

midway  between  the  spotted  turtle  and  the  wood  terrapin — 
one  quite  aquatic;  the  other  addicted  to  roaming  over  swampy 
areas.  Mulenberg's  Turtle  is  partial  to  clear,  narrow  streams, 
which  spread  at  intervals,  forming  marshy  patches.  All  of  the 
specimens  taken  by  the  writer  were  discovered  in  the  latter 
situations.  When  alarmed,  the  reptile  makes  for  the  water 
and  endeavours  to  secrete  itself  in  the  aquatic  vegetation.  Its 
movements  are  not  very  quick  and  it  is  readily  captured.  Un- 
like the  spotted  turtle  it  feeds  as  readily  out  of  the  water  as  it 
does  beneath  the  surface.  In  this  respect  it  appeals  to  the 
wood  terrapin,  and  like  that  species  feeds'  largely  upon  tender 
green  food,  insects  and  worms.  As  a  captive  it  is  hardy,  taking 
chopped  meat,  earthworms,  mealworms,  lettuce  and  berries. 

THE  WESTERN  POND  TURTLE 
Cbelopus  marmoratus,  (B.  &  G.) 

When  fully  mature  this  western  species  is  about  eight  inches 
long.  The  general  proportions  and  structure  of  the  shell  appeal 
to  the  spotted  turtle,  (C.  guttatus).  Young  specimens  have  a 
single,  blunt  keel  upon  the  centre  of  the  carapace.  This  usually 
disappears  altogether  with  maturity. 

Colouration. — Carapace,  dark  olive,  brown  or  blackish. 
Each  shield  encloses  an  aggregation  of  yellow  dots  or  dashes — 
if  the  latter  these  tend  to  radiate  from  the  centre  of  the  shield. 

The  central  portion  of  the  shields  of  the  plastron  is  yellow. 
These  shields  are  bordered  with  black,  particularly  about  the 
margin.  The  limbs  are  brown,  closely  spotted  with  black — 
sometimes  yellow;  the  head  is  similarly  marked. 

Dimensions. — Adult  specimens  are  from  six  to  eight  inches 
long  and  quite  smooth. 

Distribution. — This  is  the  only  fresh-water  turtle  of  the 
Pacific  Region — with  the  exception  of  a  species  in  Lower  Cali- 
fornia. It  occurs  commonly  in  ponds  and  rivers  in  Washington, 
Oregon  and  California,  west  of  the  Cascade  and  Sierra  Nevada 
Mountains. 

Habits. — Similar  to  the  Eastern  spotted  turtle.  It  is  quite 
aquatic  and  very  shy;  specimens  are  commonly  seen  sunning 
upon  logs  and  rocks  but  drop  into  the  water  at  the  least  alarm. 
These  turtles  often  take  the  hooks  of  fresh-water  fishermen. 

52 


The  Terrapins 

THE  WOOD  TERRAPIN 
Chelopus  insculptus,  (Le  Conte) 

Carapace  with  a  strong  keel ;  each  of  the  shields  contains  many 
concentric  grooves,  rising,  one  above  the  other,  to  an  extent  that 
produces  a  bulging  formation.  The  entire  carapace  has  a  rough, 
chiseled  aspect,  hence  the  specific  name — insculptus.  On  the 
rear  margin  the  carapace  is  serrated.  There  is  a  deep  notch 
at  the  rear  of  the  plastron. 

Colouration. — The  upper  shell  is  dull  brown,  each  plate 
marked  with  narrow  and  radiating  yellow  lines  and  spots.  On 
the  lower  edge  the  carapace  is  yellow  with  large,  black  patches. 
The  plastron  is  yellow,  each  plate  containing  a  large  patch  of 
black. 

The  fleshy  parts,  with  the  exception  of  the  top  of  the  head  and 
limbs,  are  bright  brick  red. 

Dimensions. — The  measurements  of  an  adult,  female  speci- 
men are  given: 

Length  of  Carapace 6£  inches. 

Width   "        "          51 

Length  of  Plastron 6£ 

Total  Width  of  Plastron .  4* 

Eight  inches  represents  the  length  of  a  large  specimen. 

Distribution. — The  Northeastern  United  States,  from  Maine 
to  Pennsylvania  (inclusive) ;  westward  to  Ohio. 

Habits. — The  Wood  Terrapin  is  not  aquatic  in  habits,  al- 
though it  usually  frequents  damp  places  and  can  swim  readily. 
It  prowls  in  damp  woods  and  swamps,  feeding  upon  tender  vege- 
tation, berries  and  insects.  In  the  spring  it  is  usually  found 
about  streams  and  at  that  time  is  often  seen  in  the  water. 

Captive  specimens  are  fond  of  berries  and  lettuce.  They 
will  also  devour  chopped  fish  and  the  larvae  of  beetles,  coming 
to  the  hand  that  feeds  them  and  taking  food  from  the  fingers. 


CHAPTER  VI:     THE  BOX  TURTLES 
GENERA  EMYS  AND  CISTUDO 

Turtles  with  Divided,  Hinged  Plastrons — Descriptions  of  the 
Species — Their  Habits. 

IN  the  consideration  of  the  genera  Emys  and  Cistudo,  the 
student  has  passed,  in  the  classification  of  the  Chelonia,  the 
strictly  aquatic  species,  and  is  referred  to  the  connecting  links 
between  the  former  and  the  true  tortoises — terrestrial  reptiles, 
of  Testudo  and  allied  genera.  The  structure  and  habits  of  the 
species  of  the  present  chapter  afford  admirable  examples  of 
transition,  in  the  scale  of  evolution. 

The  Box  Turtles  derive  their  popular  name  from  the  struc- 
ture of  the  plastron,  which  is  attached  to  the  carapace  by  an  elas- 
tic, cartilaginous  joint.  The  plastron  is  divided  by  a  central 
hinge,  which  permits  both  the  front  and  rear  portions  to  be 
drawn  against  the  lower  surface  of  the  carapace.  Thus,  in  time 
of  danger,  the  creature  draws  in  the  head  and  limbs  and  closes 
the  shell  in  box-like  fashion. 

The  genus  Emys  is  composed  of  but  two  species,  one  of 
which  inhabits  Europe  and  Asia  and  is  very  aquatic  in  habits. 
The  other  species,  Blanding's  Turtle,  occurs  in  the  United  States, 
and  although  possessing  fully  webbed  feet  and  being  partial 
to  the  neighborhood  of  water,  is  given  to  the  habit  of  wandering 
over  swampy  areas.  The  genus  Cistudo  is  composed  of  five* 
North  American  species  that  are  strictly  terrestrial  although 
several  of  these  species  display  distinct  traces  of  wefrs  be- 
tween the  toes,  while  others  have  feet  like  the  true  tor- 
toises. Thus  we  trace  our  way  along  the  links  of  the 
chain,  and  can  understand  why  the  species  of  Cistudo,  al- 
though quite  terrestrial,  cannot  properly  be  termed  tortoises,  as 
their  structure  demonstrates  that  they  are  more  closely  allied  to 
the  turtles. 


*  A  sixth  species  occurs  in  Mexico — C.  mexicana.     It  has  three  claws 
on  the  hind  foot. 

54 


The  Box  Turtles 

Following  is  a  key  to  aid  in  the  identification  of  the  North 
American  Box  Turtles : 

I.  Feet  fully  webbed.     Carapace  elongated  and  globular. 

Genus  Emys. 

Black,  with  numerous  yellow  dots. 
BLANDING'S  TURTLE,  "SEMI-BOX"  TURTLE,  E.  blandingii. 
Distribution. — Central    States;    eastward    to    New 
England  States. 

II.  Feet  club-shaped,  or  sparsely  webbed.     Carapace  short 
and    globular.  Genus    Cistudo. 

a.  Hind  foot  with  four  daws. 

Carapace  without   a   keel.     Brown  or  black  with 
yellow,  radiating  spots. 

PAINTED     BOX     TURTLE,     C.     Omata. 

Distribution. — Central     States     to     the     Rockies; 
south     into     Mexico. 

Carapace  with  a  keel.     Brown  or  black  with  ir- 
regular, yellow  spots. 

COMMON  BOX  TURTLE,  C.  Carolina. 

Distribution. — Eastern    United    States,    north    of 
Georgia. 

Carapace   with    a   keel.*     Brown   or   black,   with 
yellow,   radiating  lines. 

LARGE     BOX     TURTLE,     C.     major. 

Distribution. — Georgia  to  the  Rio  Grande. 

b.  Hind  foot  with  three  claws. 

Carapace  like  two  preceding  species. 
Olive,  with  obscure  yellow  markings. 

THREE-TOED    BOX   TURTLE,   C.   triungUlS. 

Distribution. — Georgia  to  the  Rio  Grande;  north- 
ward to  Missouri. 

Carapace   very   high   and   globular — keeled. 
Brown  or  black,  with  greenish,  radiating  lines. 

BAUR'S    BOX   TURTLE,   C.   bauri. 
Distribution. — Southern   Georgia   and    Florida. 

The  "Semi-box"  Turtles — Genus  Emys:  The  two  species 
of  this  genus  are  characterised  by  a  rather  long,  globular  shell. 
The  plastron  is  attached  to  the  upper  shell  by  a  cartilaginous 
joint.  It  is  divided  by  a  central  hinge  and  both  the*  front  and 
rear  portions  are  movable — the  former  to  a  considerable  degree 
and  the  latter  but  slightly  so;  thus  the  popular  title,  "semi-box" 
turtles. 

The  species  of  Emys  are  aquatic,  living  about  ponds  and 
rivers,  where  they  bask  upon  derelict  timber  and  plunge  into 

*  The  largest  species  of  the  genus. 

55 


The  Box  Turtles 

the  water  at  the  slightest  alarm.  Their  feet  are  broadly  webbed. 
Although  the  two  species  of  this  genus  are  widely  separated 
in  distribution — one  occurring  over  a  vast  area  comprising 
Europe,  Asia  and  northern  Africa,  and  the  other  inhabiting 
the  central  and  eastern  portions  of  the  United  States,  they  are 
remarkably  similar  in  structure  and  colouration,  though  the 
Old  World  species  is  considerably  the  smaller.  It  is  the  common 
Pond  Turtle  of  Europe,  Emys  lutaria  (obicularis). 

A  description  of  the  North  American  species  is  given: 

BLANDING'S  TURTLE;  THE  "SEMI-BOX"  TURTLE 
Emys  Uandingii,  (Holbrook) 

The  shape  of  the  upper  shell  is  higher  (globular)  and  longer 
than  with  the  other  water  turtles.  Except  with  very  young 
specimens  the  shell  is  smooth.  The  general  structure  of  the 
plastron  is  much  like  that  of  the  typical  box  turtles,  although 
the  rear  half  closes  but  partially  and  is  bluntly  notched. 
Both  front  and  hind  feet  are  broadly  webbed,  as  with  the  typical 
pond  turtles.  The  head  is  cylindrical,  with  sharply  notched 
upper  mandible,  and  the  neck  is  very  long. 

Colouration. — Upper  shell  black,  with  numerous  pale  yellow 
or  whitish  spots.  The  plastron  is  yellow  in  the  centre,  with 
large  black  blotches  about  the  pale  area. 

Above,  the  head  is  black,  with  many  yellow  dots.  The 
chin  and  throat  are  bright,  immaculate  yellow. 

Dimensions. — Following  are  the  measurements  of  a  mature 
specimen,  from  North  Judson,  Indiana: 

Length  of  Carapace 7!  inches 

Width  '  5 

Length  of  Plastron 7^ 

Length  of  Front  Lobe 3^ 

Width  at  Hinge 4 

Height  of  Combined  Shell 2| 

Distribution. — Blanding's  Turtle  appears  to  attain  a  centre 
of  abundance  in  Indiana,  thence  it  occurs  in  lesser  numbers  in 
Illinois,  Wisconsin,  Michigan,  Ohio  and  on  the  north  shores 
of  the  Great  Lakes  in  Canada.  Eastward  of  the  Central  States 
it  is  a  comparatively  rare  species  though  the  range  extends  into 
the  Alleghanean  region  and  northeastward  through  Pennsyl- 
vania and  New  York,  into  Massachusetts,  Rhode  Island  and 


The  Box  Turtles 

New  Hampshire.  The  species  does  not  occur  near  the  coast 
regions  of  New  York,  Connecticut  or  New  Jersey. 

Habits. — Although  fully  as  agile  in  the  water — in  swimming, 
diving  and  remaining  a  considerable  time  beneath  the  surface — 
as  the  typical  pond  and  river  turtles  and  terrapin,  this  species 
often  evinces  a  desire  to  wander  about  on  land,  and  while  it 
seldom  ventures  from  wet,  marshy  areas,  prowls  about  through 
the  undergrowth  in  search  of  tender  shoots,  berries  and  insect 
larvae,  a  character  quite  in  opposition  to  the  feeding  habits  of 
the  strictly  aquatic  turtles  and  terrapins,  which  are  unable  to 
feed  unless  under  water.  Blanding's  Turtle  feeds  with  equal 
readiness  upon  the  ground,  or  under  water.  Captive  specimens 
are  very  fond  of  lettuce;  they  also  feed  voraciously  upon  earth- 
worms, small  fishes,  tadpoles  and  young  frogs,  actively  pursuing 
these  creature  in  the  water  and  seizing  them  by  a  sudden  dart 
of  the  head.  Well  fattened  specimens  are  unable  to  employ 
the  hinged  plastron  to  but  a  slight  extent  and  with  such  indi- 
viduals the  rear  lobe  is  quite  useless  in  covering  the  hind  limbs 
which  bulge  from  the  shell  in  helpless  fashion. 

The  species  is  very  timid  and  if  handled  will  withdraw 
the  head  and  front  limbs  within  the  shell,  close  the  front  lobe 
of  the  plastron  and  remain  in  this  position  for  an  indefinite 
period — frequently  for  several  hours.  On  one  occasion  the 
writer  procured  several  hundred  specimens  with  which  he  stocked 
a  small  pond.  Floating  in  this  pond  were  several  logs  and  upon 
these  the  turtles  were  in  the  habit  of  crawling  in  rows  and 
clusters,  for  a  sun  bath.  The  slightest  alarm  would  cause  them 
to  plunge  in  a  volley  into  the  water,  from  which,  a  few  minutes 
later,  their  heads  would  be  protruded  in  a  fashion  that  caused  the 
pond  to  look  as  if  it  were  infested  with  water  snakes — the  turtles' 
shells  being  invisible. 

The  Box  Turtles — Genus  Cistudo:  The  six  alleged  species 
of  this  genus  are  so  closely  related  that  further  investigations 
of  more  elaborate  series  of  specimens  than  are  now  possessed 
by  our  museums,  will  probably  result  in  the  contraction  of  the 
genus  to  but  three  or  four  species,  and  several  varieties  or  sub- 
species. Although  some  of  the  forms  possess  four  claws  on  the 
hind  foot  and  others  have  but  three  claws,  this  structural  dif- 
ference does  not  appear  to  be  of  great  importance,  for  more 
pronounced  characters  cause  the  species  to  arrange  themselves 

57 


The  Box  Turtles 

in  technical  classification  so  that  the  four-clawed  and  three- 
clawed  forms  alternate  in  the  list.  Of  the  series,  the  Painted 
Box  Turtle,  (C.  ornata),  is  a  perfectly  distinct  species,  as  the  shell 
is  quite  flat  in  the  area  of  the  central  shields  and  there  is  no  trace 
of  a  keel.  It  is  very  probable  that  the  Three-toed  Box  Turtle 
(C.  triunguis}  will  be  found  to  be  but  a  variety  of  the  common 
species,  C.  Carolina,  which  possesses  four  claws  on  the  hind  foot, 
and  that  Baur's  Box  Turtle  (C.  bauri),  another  three-toed  form, 
may  be  decided  to  constitute  a  variety  of  the  Large  Box  Turtle 
(C.  major),  which  also  possesses  four  claws.  The  Mexican 
species,  C.  mexicana,  may  also  be  but  a  Southern  form  of  the 
C.  major. 

To  set  forth  the  characters  of  the  Box  Turtles  and  popularise 
the  descriptions,  the  writer  provisionally  describes  the  five  North 
American  forms  as  species,  arranging  them  as  in  the  key  in 
an  effort  to  facilitate  the  work  of  the  less  advanced  student. 

THE    PAINTED    BOX   TURTLE 

Cistudo  ornata,  (Agassiz) 

The  form  of  the  carapace  is  broad  and  globular.  It  is  dis- 
tinctly flattened  on  the  area  of  the  central  row  of  plates,  and  is 
without  a  trace  of  the  -pronounced  keel  of  the  other  species.  There 
are  four  claws  on  the  hind  feet. 

Colouration. — The  shell  is  dark  brown  or  black  above,  with 
moderately  broad,  yellow,  radiating  lines.  The  lower  shell  is 
brightly  coloured,  being  yellow,  but  so  thickly  suffused  with 
brown  that  it  presents  an  intricate  network  of  yellow  and  brown 
bands. 

The  head  is  dark,  with  large  yellowish  or  reddish  spots 
upon  the  sides  and  dots  of  the  same  colour  upon  the  top,  while 
the  neck  is  banded  with  the  same  bright  hue. 

With  most  specimens  the  scales  of  the  forelimbs  are  bright 
red — with  some,  orange. 

From  its  generally  bright  colouration,  this  is  the  most  at- 
tractive species  of  the  box  turtles. 

Dimensions. — Height  of  Combined  Shell i\  inches 

Length  of  Carapace     4!       " 

Width  of  "      3! 

Length  of  Plastron    4$-      " 

Width  of  Head i 

58 


The  Box  Turtles 

Distribution. — Indiana  to  the  Rocky  Mountains  and  south- 
ward into  Mexico.  In  the  Southern  United  States,  the  species 
does  not  range  eastward  of  Texas. 

THE   COMMON   BOX   TURTLE 
Cistudo  Carolina,  (Linn.) 

The  carapace  of  this  species  is  highly  arched  and  globular, 
with  a  distinct,  though  blunt  keel  upon  the  centre.  The  front 
and  rear  borders  of  the  upper  shell  flare  outward  and  the  edges 
curl  upward.  There  are  four  claws  upon  the  hind  feet. 

Colouration. — Black  or  dark  brown  above,  with  numerous 
yellow  spots  or  blotches.  The  markings  are  extremely  variable. 
They  may  consist  of  short,  yellow  bands  arranged  in  irregular 
groups  in  each  plate,  or  of  bands  that  run  together  on  the  sides 
of  the  shell,  forming  broad,  E-like  markings.  On  many  specimens 
the  markings  are  confined  to  the  centres  of  the  shields,  each 
of  which  contains  an  irregular  blotch  that  resembles  the  out- 
line of  a  large  drop  of  fluid  falling  upon  a  flat  surface  and  splash- 
ing in  every  direction.  Occasional  specimens  look  as  if  they 
had  been  spotted  with  a  brush,  with  no  regard  for  regularity 
in  the  placing  of  the  blotches. 

The  plastron  is  yet  more  variable  than  the  carapace.  On 
some  specimens  it  is  of  a  uniform  dark  brown  or  black;  on  others 
black,  with  large  patches  of  yellow.  A  specimen  in  the  writer's 
collection  possesses  a  plastron  strikingly  marked  with  narrow 
lines  and  spots  of  black  and  yellow  over  the  entire  surface.  The 
black  markings  fuse  into  the  yellow  through  a  medium  of  rich 
brown  and  the  effect  is  to  closely  resemble  the  showy  markings 
of  the  Hawk's-bill  Turtle,  which  yields  the  valuable  "tortoise" 
shell. 

The  head  markings  of  this  species  are  very  irregular.  Male 
specimens  usually  have  bright  red  eyes;  the  eyes  of  the  females 
are  generally  yellow. 

Dimensions. — The  measurements  in  this  list  are  of  an  adult, 
male  specimen: 

Height  of  Combined  Shell 2|  inches 

Length  of  Carapace 5f       " 

Width  of  4f 

Length  of  Plastron  (open) 5  J 

Width  of  Head 1} 

59 


The  Box  Turtles 

Distribution. — The  New  England  States,  to  South  Carolina 
(inclusive)  and  westward  to  Kansas. 

Habits  of  the  Box  Turtle 

There  is  no  reptile  possessing  greater  immunity  from  harm 
than  the  Box  Turtle.  Once  its  shelly  fortress  is  closed  there 
are  few  living  creatures  except  man  that  can  harm  the  fleshy 
parts  within.  Other  chelonians,  although  withdrawing  the 
head  and  limbs  within  the  shell  at  times  or  danger,  are  in  much 
the  same  predicament  when  discovered  by  a  hungry  animal 
as  the  proverbial  ostrich  that  buries  its  head  in  the  sand  to 
"conceal"  itself  from  harm.  Sharp  claws,  mounted  on  sinuous 
limbs,  or  the  talons  of  the  birds  of  prey  can  readily  tear  the  ex- 
posed fleshy  parts  of  the  ordinary  turtle  from  its  shell. 

Though  the  Box  Turtle  closes  its  shell  in  a  manner  to  ap- 
propriately elicit  the  creature's  popular  name — and  effectually 
protect  the  reptile  from  harm,  individuals  vary  as  regards  the 
perfect  closing  of  the  hinged  portions  of  the  plastron  against 
the  upper  shell.  The  writer  has  examined  specimens  with  which 
the  lobes  of  the  plastron  closed  so  perfectly  against  the  carapace 
that  at  no  part  of  the  union  of  upper  and  lower  shell  was  there 
sufficient  space  to  insert  such  a  small  object  as  a  broom  straw. 
Indeed,  it  does  not  appear  possible  that  such  specimens  could 
breathe  without  difficulty,  for  they  usually  remain  tightly  closed 
for  an  hour  or  more — or  as  long  as  there  is  the  slighest  suspicion 
of  danger.  Other  specimens  close  less  perfectly,  so  that  it  is 
possible  to  insert  a  good-sized  quill  in  several  places  around 
the  plastron,  while  there  are  occasional  specimens  with  which 
the  plates  at  the  extremities  of  the  plastron  protrude  slightly 
from  the  border  of  the  upper  shell  and  thus  prevent  a  good  union 
— sometimes  to  such  an  extent  that  the  limbs  may  be  seen 
through  an  orifice  of  about  an  eighth  of  an  inch. 

The  muscles  that  close  the  plastron  are  of  great  power. 
It  is  by  no  means  an  easy  matter  to  pry  the  shells  apart,  even 
though  one  have  strong  hands  and  be  provided  with  an  im- 
plement of  such  leverage  as  a  chisel.  Some  specimens  are  so 
fat  from  voracious  feeding  during  the  berry  season  that  they 
are  unable  to  close  both  lobes  of  the  plastron  simultaneously — 
the  pressure  of  one-half  of  the  lower  shell  upon  the  fleshy  parts 
ludicrously  forcing  open  the  other. 

60 


The  Box  Turtles 

The  Box  Turtle  is  a  strictly  terrestrial  reptile  and  its  habits 
tally  closely  with  those  of  the  true  tortoises,  although  it  is  of  a 
wandering  disposition  and  does  not  dig  permanent  burrows. 
It  is  most  abundant  in  situations  where  open,  grassy  spots  alter- 
nate in  sparse  thickets.  The  food  consists  largely  of  vegetable 
matter  and  berries,  though  the  larvae  of  insects  are  eaten  as 
well  as  earthworms  and  slugs.  During  the  periods  when  black- 
berries ripen  many  specimens  show  unmistakable  evidences  of 
feasting  by  their  stained  mandibles  and  forefeet. 

Like  other  terrestrial  chelonians,  the  Box  Turtle  lives  to  a 
great  age.  It  is  difficult  to  explain  the  exact  duration  of  life 
of  this  species,  but  examples  have  thrived  for  ten  or  fifteen 
years  in  captivity,  that  were  old  and  worn  quite  smooth  when 
captured. 

A  curious  and  interesting  specimen  was  found  several  years 
from  the  time  of  writing,  in  Virginia.  The  writer  had  been 
roaming  over  the  beautiful  farmlands  that  once  constituted 
the  battlefields  of  Bull  Run  and  Groveton.  He  had  stopped 
to  examine  a  noble  tree,  gnarled  in  many  places  from  the  old 
wounds  of  a  heavy  shell-fire.  The  tree  stood  on  a  knoll  near 
Groveton  and  had  been  in  the  centre  of  a  shower  of  lead  and 
iron  hail  during  the  stormy  days  of  war.  On  two  occasions 
had  the  opposing  armies  swept  over  this  pretty  country  to  the 
tune  of  cannon  and  musketry  and  many  trees  beside  the  one 
that  had  particularly  engaged  the  writer's  attention,  showed 
battle  scars. 

These  few  descriptive  words  are  in  strict  accordance  with 
a  turtle  that  drew  the  writer's  attention,  as  it  emitted  a  sudden 
hiss  and  closed  its  shell  tightly  at  his  approach.  It  was  a  very 
old  specimen,  with  a  dull,  lustreless  shell.  Across  its  back  was 
a  deep  furrow,  healed  by  many  years.  So  deeply  did  this  pen- 
etrate into  the  creature's  shell  that  the  original  injury  must 
have  penetrated  to  the  very  edge  of  the  reptile's  vitals,  yet  a 
wonderful  tenacity  of  life  and  great  reconstructive  power  had 
permitted  the  turtle  to  so  heal  the  wound  as  to  partially  cover 
the  deep  tear  with  a  rough,  bony  growth.  Along  the  edges  of 
the  shell  were  other  indentations,  which  had  healed  in  the  same 
manner.  Who  can  dispute  the  very  plausible  theory,  that  nearly 
forty  years  before,  during  a  human  exchange  of  metal  animosities, 
this  reptile  was  struck  by  a  flying  minie  ball  that  tore  the  furrow 

61 


The  Box  Turtles 

and,  by  the  force  of  its  impact,  sent  the  creature  tumbling  over 
the  stony  ground  to  produce  the  deep  scars  about  the  edge  of 
the  shell.  If  such  were  the  case,  the  reptile  being  full-grown 
when  the  injury  was  inflicted — the  severe  nature  of  the  wound 
would  stunt  all  subsequent  growth — it  had  lived  many  years  to 
attain  its  size,  then  possessed  the  tenacity  to  recover  from  the 
wound  and  afterward  continued  to  live  for  nearly  forty  years  after. 
It  may  interest  the  reader  to  know  that  this  turtle  is,  at  the 
time  of  writing,  thriving  in  captivity. 

The  eggs  of  the  Box  Turtle  are  ovoidal  in  shape  and  covered 
with  a  thin,  but  hard  shell.  They  are  buried  in  soft  ground, 
or  secreted  under  leaves.  It  is  an  interesting,  but  curious  fact, 
that  the  very  young  specimens  are  very  rarely  found. 

When  retiring  for  the  winter,  this  turtle  burrows  to  some 
depth  in  soft  ground.  This  was  well  illustrated  by  the  experi- 
ence of  a  friend  of  the  writer,  who  was  engaged  in  the  melan- 
choly duty  of  digging  a  grave  for  a  large,  pet  dog.  The  animal 
had  died  in  January  and  a  severe  frost  had  hardened  the  ground 
for  a  distance  of  five  inches.  After  breaking  through  this  it 
was  easy  digging  and  as  the  gentleman  had  reached  a  depth 
of  about  two  feet  he  unearthed  a  Box  Turtle,  which  showed  feeble 
signs  of  life. 

THE  LARGE   BOX  TURTLE 

Cistudo  major,  ( Agassi  z) 

The  name  of  this  species  is  quite  appropriate.  It  attains 
the  greatest  size  of  any  of  the  box  turtles — growing  to  a  length 
of  seven  inches.  The  carapace  is  high  and  globular  and  flares 
out  distinctly  on  the  rear  margin.  There  is  a  blunt  keel  in  the 
centre.  As  this  species  has  four  claws  on  the  hind  foot,  it  may 
be  readily  distinguished  from  Baur's  Box  Turtle,  into  the  range 
of  which  it  enters  in  the  east. 

Colouration. — The  carapace  is  dark  brown,  with  yellow 
spots  arranged  in  radiating  fashion,  while  there  is  a  yellow  band 
on  the  keel.  The  greater  part  of  the  plastron  is  yellow,  although 
the  edges  of  the  shields  are  tinged  with  black.  On  the  head  is 
a  considerable  amount  of  yellow  markings. 

Distribution. — Florida  and  Georgia,  westward  to  the  Rio 
Grande. 

62 


THE  REPTILE  BOOK 


PLATE  XX 


SPOTTED  TURTLE,  Chelopus  guiiatus 

One  of  the  most  abundant  species  of  the  Eastern  States.     Has  a  habit  of  roosting  on  logs  and  tussocks,  and  plunging  into  the  water 
upon  the  least  disturbance.     The  shell  of  an  adult  is  about  4  inches  long 


MUHLEXBERG'S  TURTLE,  Chelopus  miihlenbergii 
Confined  to  southern  New  York,  Xew  Jersey,  and  eastern  Pennsylvania.     The  vivid  orange  patch  on  each  side  of  the  head  is  characteristic 


THE  REPTILE  BOOK 


PLATE  XXI 


BLAXDING'S  TURTLE;  SEMI-BOX  TURTLE,  Emys  Uamiingii 
The  plastron  has  a  central  hinge,  but  only  the  front  lobe  can  be  perfectly  closed 


PAINTED  BOX  TURTLE,  Cistudo  ornata 

A  typical  representative  of  its  genus.     The  plastron  has  a  central  hinge.     Both  lobes  close  tightly  in  time  of  danger 
This  species  ranges  from  the  Mississippi  Valley  to  the  Rockies 


COMMON"  BOX  TURTLE,  Cistudo  Carolina 
Inhabits  the  Eastern  States.     Note  the  specimen  on  the  left  having  the  lobes  of  the  plastron  completely  closed 


The  Box  Turtles 

THE  THREE-TOED  BOX  TURTLE 

Cistudo  triunguis,    (Agassiz) 

In  the  general  form  of  the  carapace,  this  species  is  pre- 
cisely like  the  Common  Box  Turtle,  from  which  it  differs  in  pos- 
sessing but  three  claws  on  the  hind  foot,  and  the  extreme  nar- 
rowness of  that  extremity. 

Colouration. — The  colouration  of  the  upper  shell  of  the 
majority  of  specimens  is  dull  olive,  with  obscure,  yellowish 
markings.  Some  specimens  are  darker  and  show  yellow  mark- 
ings that  appeal  strongly  to  C.  Carolina.  The  head  is  generally 
brownish,  with  but  obscure  markings. 

Distribution. — Georgia  and  Florida  westward  to  the  Rio 
Grande;  in  the  Mississippi  Valley  this  species  extends  north- 
ward into  Missouri. 

BAUR'S  BOX  TURTLE;  FLORIDA  BOX  TURTLE 

Cistudo  bauri,   (Taylor) 

Like  the  preceding  species,  this  box  turtle  is  characterised 
by  three  claws  on  the  hind  foot.  The  shell  is  very  high  and 
narrow — considerably  more  globular  than  that  of  the  preceding 
species.  There  is  a  distinct  keel  on  the  central  portion  of  the 
carapace,  and  but  a  slight  tendency  to  flare  upwards  on  the 
rear  margin. 

Colouration. — In  its  general  colouration,  this  turtle  appears 
to  be  quite  distinct.  The  carapace  is  dark  brown,  with  many 
narrow,  greenish,  or  greenish-yellow  radiating  lines.  With 
the  greater  number  of  specimens  the  plastron  is  immaculate, 
greenish-yellow. 

The  head  markings  are  fairly  constant  and  distinct. 
Male  specimens  have  the  head  dark  brown  or  black,  with 
the  exception  of  the  mandibles,  which  are  yellowish,  and 
an  indistinct  band,  extending  from  behind  the  eye  to 
the  neck.  This  pale  shade  on  the  mandibles  is  fre- 
quently absent  from  female  specimens,  although  the 
throat  is  speckled  with  a  pale  hue  and  several  indistinct 
and  broken  bands  appear  on  the  head.  The  young  are  strongly 
marked,  having  vivid,  sharply  delineated,  radiating  lines.  Combine 
these  markings  with  an  extremely  high  carapace  and  the 
make-up  is  markedly  grotesque. 

63 


The  Box  Turtles 

Dimensions. — The  measurements  given  are  of  a  specimen 
taken  in  Marion  County,  Florida: 

Height  of  Combined  Shell 2f  inches 

Length  of  Carapace 5^      " 

Width  of  ..  .  . 3f 

Length  of  Plastron,  open 5 J 

Width  of  Head ifc 

Distribution. — Southern  Georgia  and  Florida. 

Habits. — This  box  turtle  frequents  the  pine  barrens.  In 
habits  it  resembles  the  common  species.  Captive  specimens 
are  very  hardy  and  live  for  indefinite  periods. 


THE  REPTILE  BOOK 


PLATE  XXII 


THREE-TOED  BOX  TURTLE,  Cisludo  triunguis 
Closely  allied  to  C.  Carolina,  from  which  it  differs  in  having  only  three  claws  on  the  hind  foot.     Markings  on  the  shell  are  usually  obscure 


BAUR'S  BOX  TURTLE.  Cistudo  bauri 

Confined  to  Georgia  and  Florida  where  it  inhabits  the  dry  pine  woods.     The  close-set,  radiating  bands  on  the  upper  shell 

are  distinctly  greenish 


t 


O  - 


CHAPTER  VII:  THE  TORTOISES 

Strictly  Terrestrial  Cbelonians.    Represented  in  North  America  by 

Three  Species 

THE  greater  number  of  the  true  Tortoises  inhabit  the  Old 
World.  They  comprise  four  very  closely  allied  genera.  The 
largest  genus  is  Testudo,  which  is  made  up  of  about  thirty-eight 
species.  All  of  the  New  World  species  belong  to  this  genus. 
Three  occur  in  North  America  proper  (in  the  extreme  southern 
portions  of  the  United  States);  three  inhabit  Mexico,  Central 
America  and  northern  South  America,  and  a  number  are  con- 
fined to  the  Galapagos  Islands.  The  latter  are  huge  tortoises, 
whose  generations  are  supposed  to  have  survived  the  Age  of 
Giant  Reptiles. 

The  Tortoises  are  easily  distinguished  from  the  turtles,  by 
the  club-shaped  feet  of  the  former,  in  place  of  the  webbed  feet 
of  the  latter,  and  the  high,  dome-like  shell.  The  skin  is  dry 
and  wrinkled.  Their  method  of  placing  the  hind  feet,  when 
walking,  and  the  peculiar  formation  of  these  appendages,  at 
once  suggest  (in  miniature)  the  feet  of  an  elephant. 

All  of  the  Tortoises  are  strictly  terrestrial  and  if  forcibly 
thrown  into  water,  are  clumsy  and  almost  helpless.  A  large  num- 
ber of  species  frequent  arid  situations — some,  the  deserts  proper. 
Many  dig  deep  burrows,  in  which  they  retire  during  the  great 
heat  of  mid-day.  The  larger  part  of  the  food  of  these  creatures 
consists  of  vegetation  and  fruit. 

The  three  species  of  Tortoises  inhabiting  the  United  States 
are  remarkably  similar  in  colouration,  all  being  of  a  dull,  brown 
hue.  They  evince  similar  habits  in  selecting  dry,  barren  areas, 
and  digging  long  burrows  in  which  to  shelter.  A  key  to  assist 
in  their  identification  is  given: 

A.    Shell  much  longer  than  wide. 

Some  greatly  enlarged  scales  on  inner  surface  of  fore- 
arm.    Front  lobe  of  plastron  bent  abruptly  upward. 
GOPHER  TORTOISE,  Testudo  polyphemus, 

65 


The   Tortoises 

Distribution. — South    Carolina   to    Florida;    west- 
ward to  western  Texas. 

No  enlarged  scales  on  inner  surface  of  forearm. 
Front  lobe  of  plastron  but  slightly  directed  upward. 

AGASSIZ'S  TORTOISE,  Testudo  aggassifi. 
Distribution. — Deserts    of     Arizona   and   southern 

California. 
B.  Shell  nearly  as  wide  as  long. 

Front  lobe  of  plastron  nearly  straight. 

BERLANDIER'S  TORTOISE,  Testudo  berlandieri. 
Distribution. — Southern    Texas    and    northeastern 
Mexico. 

Detailed  descriptions  of  these  species  follow: 

THE  GOPHER  TORTOISE 
Testudo  polypbemus,  (Daudin) 

Size  large.  Shell  rather  high,  but  flattened  on  the  top; 
bluntly  rounded  at  front  and  rear.  Upper  surface  quite  smooth 
with  old  individuals,  but  showing  many  sharp,  concentric  grooves 
in  the  shields  of  young  specimens.  The  head  is  blunt  and  rounded ; 
the  tail  is  very  short.  The  plastron  is  thick  and  heavy,  the 
rear  portion  notched,  the  front  projecting  beyond  the  edge  of 
the  carapace  in  the  shape  of  a  thick  and  narrow  process,  which 
is  bent  sharply  upward,  owing  to  the  upward  slant  of  the  front 
lobe  of  the  plastron. 

The  front  portions  of  the  forelimbs  are  covered  with  large 
and  thick  scaly  plates.  The  terminal  joint  of  the  limb  is  flat 
and  along  the  margin  are  very  large,  horn-like  scales;  at  the  bend 
of  the  limb  there  is  one  of  these  spines  considerably  more  developed 
than  the  others;  it  is  usually  attended  by  several  spines  irreg- 
ularly larger  than  those  of  the  marginal  row.  The  hind  limbs 
are  covered  with  a  finer  scalation  and  resemble,  in  miniature, 
the  feet  of  an  elephant.  All  four  feet  possess  very  stout,  ^blunt 
claws.  The  general  make-up  is  as  strongly  suggestive  of  a  ter- 
restrial life,  as  that  of  a  flat-shelled,  web-footed  turtle  points 
toward  an  aquatic  existence. 

Colouration. — The  shell  of  the  adult  specimen  is  dull  brown, 
perfectly  uniform  in  colour  with  those  individuals  that  possess 
smoothly-worn  shells,  but  with  obscure,  dull  yellow  blotches 
in  the  centres  of  the  shields  (one  in  each  shield)  on  younger 
specimens.  These  blotches  may  be  intensified  by  moistening 

66 


The  Tortoises 

the  carapace.  They  are  pronounced  on  very  young  specimens. 
The  plastron  is  uniform,  dull  yellow.  The  skin  of  the  limbs 
is  a  dull  brown  or  gray;  that  of  the  head  is  darker.  The  eyes 
are  dark  and  bead-like. 

Dimensions. — The  measurements  given  are  of  an  adult, 
female  specimen,  from  Marion  County,  Florida: 

Length  of  Carapace 1 1  ^  inches 

Widthof  8 

Length  of  Plastron    1 1^ 

Width  of  74 

Width  of  Forearm     2 

Width  of  Head 2 

The  weight  of  a  specimen  showing  the  preceding  dimensions 
— these  representing  one  of  fairly  large  size — would  be  about 
nine  pounds.  From  the  measurements,  it  will  be  seen  that 
the  length  of  the  shell  is  considerably  in  excess  of  the  width. 
This  character  is  important  in  distinguishing  the  species  from 
Berlandier's  Tortoise,  which  extends  into  the  former's  habitat, 
in  the  western  portion. 

Distribution. — South  Carolina  to  Florida  (including  both 
states)  and  westward  into  western  Texas. 

Habits. — In  this  reptile  we  have  a  typical  example  of  the 
true  tortoise — a  terrestrial,  slow-going,  herbivorous,  and,  in 
proportion  to  its  size,  wonderfully  strong  creature.  While 
lacking  in  agility  as  compared  with  the  turtles,  the  Tortoises 
exhibit  considerably  more  intelligence  than  the  former. 

The  Gopher  Tortoise  is  most  abundant  in  dry,  sandy 
areas,  where  it  burrows  long  tunnels  in  which  to  retreat. 
The  writer  made  several  trips  into  areas  frequented  by  these 
reptiles.  One  region  in  particular,  he  well  remembers.  It 
was  a  great,  barren  stretch  of  sandy  country  in  Hampton 
County,  South  Carolina.  This  region  was  known  as  the 
"sand  hills"  and  was  quite  useless  for  agricultural  pur- 
poses. Over  this  gently  undulating  waste  was  scattered  a 
sparse  growth  of  scrub  oak,  wire  grass,  and  isolated,  stunted 
weeds.  During  the  middle  of  the  day,  the  heat  upon  this 
miniature  desert  was  almost  unendurable  for  a  man.  At 
such  times  the  Tortoises  were  usually  secreted  in  their  burrows. 
They  were  found  prowling  during  the  very  early  morning,  or 
on  cloudy  days.  Their  burrows  were  quite  numerous.  Eight 

67 


The  Tortoises 

or  ten  would  frequently  be  counted  within  a  radius  of  one  hun- 
dred feet. 

The  location  of  a  burrow  is  easily  noted  by  the  mound  of 
sand  that  has  been  thrown  to  the  surface.  From  the  height 
and  diameter  of  this  mound,  the  depth  of  the  burrow  may  be 
estimated.  On  these  "sand  hills,"  but  three  or  four  inches 
of  the  surface  is  dry  and  shifting;  beneath  this  slight  depth, 
the  sand  is  damp  and  well  packed.  Through  the  damp  strata, 
the  Tortoise  extends  its  burrow  in  a  gentle  slope  from  the  sur- 
face, and,  curiously  enough,  in  the  exact  shape  of  a  transverse 
section  of  the  creature's  shell. 

The  footprints  of  the  Tortoises  are  readily  followed,  and 
by  this  method  a  number  of  specimens  were  captured.  If  a 
Tortoise  has  not  emerged  from  its  burrow  since  the  night  pre- 
ceding, the  fact  is  made  evident  by  ambitious  spiders,  which 
daily  spin  their  webs  over  the  mouths  of  the  shafts.  Several 
of  the  burrows  were  measured  by  running  a  slender  pole  into 
their  depth,  and  were  found  to  extend,  in  a  gently  sloping  down- 
ward direction,  for  a  distance  of  fourteen  feet  and  over.  Re- 
cently, investigations  have  been  made  of  the  homes  of  these 
creatures  and  energetic  digging  was  rewarded  with  results  at 
least  interesting  to  the  entomologist,  for  several  species  of  beetles, 
belonging  to  a  family  popularly  known  as  "rolling  beetles," 
or  "tumble  bugs"  were  found  living  upon  the  excreta  of  the 
tortoises,  and,  strange  to  explain,  these  beetles  proved  to  be 
a  species  entirely  new  to  science.  It  has  since  been  demonstrated 
that  they  inhabit  only  the  burrows  of  this  species  of  tortoise. 

In  captivity  the  Gopher  Tortoise  is  hardy  and  thrives  for 
an  indefinite  number  of  years  if  given  the  proper  care.  Captive 
specimens  are  fond  of  such  tender  vegetables  as  lettuce  and 
celery;  they  take  all  kinds  of  fruit  voraciously  and  will  also  eat 
raw  meat.  They  soon  learn  to  recognise  the  one  who  fe&ds  them 
and  take  dainty  morsels  from  the  fingers  without  signs  of  fear. 
Considerable  warmth,  and  absolutely  dry  quarters  are  the 
most  important  factors  in  keeping  these  reptiles  in  good  health. 
Without  sufficient  warmth  (from  75  to  85  degrees  Fahr.)  they 
will  not  feed,  and  the  least  bit  of  dampness  brings  on  symptoms 
that  resemble  an  ordinary  cold,  when  they  gradually  become 
weak  and  die.  They  display  little  inclination  to  burrow  and 
hide,  in  captivity. 

68 


THE  REPTILE  BOOK 


PLATE  XXIV 


DESERT  TORTOISE,  Testiido  agassizii 
Inhabits  the  deserts  of  the   southwestern   United   States 


PLASTRON  OF  THE  DESERT  TORTOISE,  Testudo  agassizii 


THE  REPTILE  BOOK 


PLATE  XXV 


BERLANDIER'S  TORTOISE,  Testudo  berlandieri 
Owing  to  its  short  and  broad  shell— the  length  and  breadth  being  very  similar— this  species  is  unique  among  the  tortoises 


' 


PLASTRON  OF  BERLANDIER'S  TORTOISE.  Testudo  berlandieri 


The  Tortoises 

This  reptile  buries  its  eggs  in  the  sand  in  a  situation  exposed 
to  the  full  rays  of  the  sun.  During  the  breeding  season,  the 
males  utter  a  short^  rasping  call,  repeated  at  intervals  of  about 
two  seconds  apart. 

AGASSIZ'S  TORTOISE 
Testudo  agassifi,  (Cooper) 

In  general  outlines,  size  and  in  colouration,  this  species 
is  very  similar  to  the  preceding.  The  enlarged  scales  or  spines 
on  the  forearm  that  are  so  noticeable  with  the  preceding  tortoise, 
are  absent  from  this  species,  the  scales  of  the  forearm  being 
large  and  coarse,  but  of  fairly  uniform  size.  The  head  is  narrower 
and  the  front  lobe  of  the  plastron  slopes  but  gradually  upward 
in  place  of  the  abrupt,  upward  inclination  to  be  noted  with  the 
Gopher  Tortoise. 

Dimensions. — The  measurements  of  a  fair-sized  specimen 
from  the  desert  south  of  Phoenix,  Arizona,  are  given: 

Length  of  Carapace 9^  inches 

Width  of  7 

Height  of  4£ 

Length  of  Plastron    9^ 

Width  of  6 

Width  of  Head i* 

Width  of  Forearm     if 

These  measurements  show  much  the  same  conformation 
as  the  preceding  species — the  considerably  greater  length  over 
the  width  of  the  shell.  By  this  character,  the  two  species  con- 
sidered differ  from  Berlandier's  Tortoise. 

Distribution. — Deserts  of  Arizona  and  southern  California. 

Habits. — The  writer's  specimens  have  exhibited  considerable 
intelligence,  becoming  exceedingly  tame  within  a  few  days 
after  their  arrival  from  the  deserts.  They  learn  to  take  food 
from  the  hand  and  appear  to  possess  actual  affection.  Two 
specimens,  at  the  time  of  writing,  have  the  liberty  of  the  writer's 
room.  They  insist  upon  crawling  over  and  about  his  feet  and 
when  desiring  to  rest,  often  crawl  under  his  chair,  where  they 
stretch  their  limbs  backwards,  in  alligator-like  fashion,  out- 
stretch the  head  and  neck  to  the  fullest  extent,  when  their  dark, 
beady  eyes  peer  about  curiously  without  an  intimation  of  fear. 
Tney  have  regular  trails  about  the  floor,  which  they  follow  for 

69 


The  Tortoises 

hours,  seldom  deviating  an  inch,  this  way  or  the  other  from 
imaginary  lines,  though  daily,  they  appear  to  change  the  routine 
of  their  marching.  On  one  day  the  larger  specimen  traversed 
the  centre  of  the  room  in  circular  fashion.  In  the  centre  of 
the  circle,  which  measured  about  eight  feet  in  diameter,  was  a 
small  table.  Around  this  object  the  tireless  reptile  continued 
its  seemingly  aimless  journey  for  hours,  its  bluntly-clawed  feet 
clicking  regularly  upon  the  hard-wood  floor.  On  another 
occasion  the  writer  dropped  a  small  book  and  neglecting  to  imme- 
diately pick  it  up,  was  attracted  to  it  a  moment  later  by  hear- 
ing one  of  the  tortoises  crawl  over  it.  A  minute  later,  the  tor- 
toise recrossed  the  book.  When  a  third  time  the  writer's  at- 
tention was  called  to  this  sound,  he  watched  the  creature. 
It  had  changed  its  previous  line  of  march  to  a  straight  course, 
up  and  down  the  room,  which  trail  led  directly  over  the  book— 
and  this  was  clambered  over  with  some  effort.  Fourteen  times 
the  eccentric  reptile  stepped  the  length  of  the  room  in  a  straight 
path,  turned  deliberately  at  each  end  and  on  its  return  clambered 
over  the  book,  which  lay  in  a  well  cleared  area.  The  book  was 
removed  and  developments  awaited.  When  the  tortoise  re- 
turned and  reached  the  spot  where  the  book  had  been,  it  paused 
in  what  appeared  to  be  deep  thought,  then  continued  as  before 
and  for  half  an  hour  longer  marched  up  and  down,  when  it  re- 
turned to  its  favourite  corner  (near  the  neater)  to  sleep. 

What  reason  the  reptile  has  for  these  peculiar  promenades, 
the  writer  is  unable  to  guess.  Certain  it  is  that  these  creatures 
pace  over  certain  areas  with  the  regularity  and  persistence  of 
caged  cat  animals. 

Like  the  other  species  of  tortoises  inhabiting  the  United 
States,  this  reptile  walks  upon  the  claws  only,  of  the  front  feet, 
while  the  hind  feet  are  planted  flat,  exactly  like  the  feet  of  an 
elephant.  It  is  by  no  means  sluggish  in  its  actions,  imt  its 
activity  depends  upon  warmth.  In  a  temperature  of  from  85 
to  95  degrees  Fahr.,  it  can  get  over  the  ground  as  fast  as  a  man 
at  a  slow  walk.  Unless  kept  very  warm  and  dry,  it  never  dis- 
plays such  vivacity.  If  these  desert  creatures  be  placed  in  damp 
quarters,  though  the  temperature  be  high,  they  cease  feeding 
and  die  within  a  few  weeks.  The  writer's  specimens  are  very 
fond  of  lettuce,  celery,  berries  and  bananas.  They  also  eat 
clover  and  begin  by  picking  out  the  blossoms. 

70 


The  Tortoises 

BERLANDIER'S  TORTOISE 
Testudo  berlandieri,  ( Agassi  z) 

This  species  is  very  distinct  from  the  two  preceding  ones, 
owing  to  its  very  broad  and  high  carapace,  which  produces  a 
very  globular  aspect.  While  the  upper  jaw  of  the  two  former 
species  is  notched,  this  tortoise  has  a  hook  on  the  upper  mandible. 

The  shell  is  nearly  as  broad  as  long  and  is  proportionately 
high  and  globular.  Compared  with  the  preceding  species  the 
forelimbs  are  narrower  and  the  head  smaller.  The  front  lobe 
of  the  plastron,  which  in  front  extends  beyond  the  margin  of 
the  upper  shell,  terminates  in  a  narrower,  deeply  notched  pro- 
cess and  is  but  slightly  directed  upward. 

Colouration. — Dull  brown,  the  centres  of  the  shields  yellow- 
ish though  this  character  becomes  obscure  with  age.  The  plas- 
tron is  dull  yellow.  The  fleshy  parts  of  this  tortoise,  particu- 
larly the  hind  limbs,  are  paler  than  with  the  two  preceding 
species. 

Dimensions. — The  measurements  are  of  a  rather  small 
specimen,  from  Brownsville,  Texas: 

Length  of  Carapace 6  inches. 

Widthof  .. 5f 

Height  of  31 

Length  of  Plastron 6i 

Width  of  Plastron .4! 

Width  of  Forearm I 

Widthof  Head ij 

Distribution. — Southern  Texas  and  northeastern  Mexico. 
Habits. — Much  like  the  preceding  species. 


As  the  writer  looks  back  upon  his  general  experience  with 
living  reptiles  of  all  the  orders,  he  considers  the  various  species 
of  tortoises  that  have  come  under  his- observation  to  have  dis- 
played the  most  marked  symptoms  of  intelligence.  Among 
all  reptiles  they  are  the  most  docile,  and  even  with  the  huge 
species  from  the  Galapagos  Islands  and  their  allies  from  the 
Aldabra  Islands,  which  creatures  have  power  enough  in  their 
great  jaws  to  sever  a  man's  hand  at  the  wrist,  we  find  the  same 
docility,  combined  with  an  intellect  that  approaches  the  mental 
capacity  of  warm-blooded  creatures. 


CHAPTER  VIII:  THE  SOFT-SHELLED  TURTLES 

GENUS  TRIONYX 
Strongly  Characteristic  Chelonians,  with  a  Soft,  Leathery  Shell 

Classification. — The  family  Trionychidce  is  composed  of 
about  twenty-seven  species  embraced  within  six  genera.  A 
few  species  inhabit  North  America;  the  majority  occur  in  south- 
ern Asia  and  the  East  Indies;  several  species  inhabit  Africa. 
The  largest  genus  is  Trionyx.  All  of  the  North  American  species 
belong  to  this  genus;  the  other  species  inhabit  both  Asia  and 
Africa. 

Structure. — From  all  of  the  other  chelonians  the  Soft-shelled 
Turtles  are  strikingly  distinct.  The  shell  is  exceedingly  flat 
and  in  its  outline  is  either  bluntly  oval  or  almost  circular.  Lack- 
ing the  hard  shields  of  other  turtles,  the  carapace  and  the  plas- 
tron are  soft  and  leathery:  the  former  bends  freely  at  the  edges, 
and  droops,  like  a  flap,  over  the  orifice  through  which  the  head 
and  neck  are  withdrawn  in  time  of  danger. 

The  neck  of  the  Soft-shelled  Turtle  is  very  long,  the  head 
is  narrow  and  the  snout  is  provided  with  a  slender  proboscis,  at 
once  imparting  a  characteristic  aspect.  While  the  general 
appearance  of  these  creatures  is  fleshy  and  inoffensive,  and  the 
jaws  are  provided  with  lip-like  folds  of  skin,  the  latter  cover 
powerful  and  keen-edged  mandibles  and  these  reptiles  bite 
with  the  energy  of  the  snapping  turtles.  The  head  and  neck 
are  completely  retractile.  As  the  species  are  very  aquatic, 
the  feet  are  broad  and  extensively  webbed. 

General  Habits. — All'  of  the  Soft-shelled  Turtles  inhabit 
rivers,  ponds  and  lakes  with  a  soft,  muddy  bottom.  They 
seldom  or  never  leave  the  water  unless  to  deposit  their  eggs — 
a  short  distance  above  the  waterside.  These  reptiles  frequently 
take  the  hooks  of  fishermen.  They  are  uniformly  agile  and 
vicious;  large  individuals  are  dangerous. 

In  the  areas  inhabited  by  these  turtles  in  the  United 
States,  they  are  commonly  called  the  "  flap-jack  tur- 

72 


The  Soft-shelled  Turtles 

ties."  The  title  is  a  harsh  one,  but  it  conveys  the  right 
impression  of  their  structure,  as  removed  from  the  water 
they  present  a  ludicrous  impression  of  large  and  ani- 
mated pancakes.  Their  progress  under  such  conditions  is 
clumsy  and  the  soft  plastron  becomes  bruised  and  lacerated  on 
a  hard,  rough  surface. 

A  key  to  the  North  American  species  is  given:* 

A.  Front  margin  of  carapace  with  conical  tubercles, 

Carapace  brown  or  olive,  with  dull  blotches  or 
black  rings.  Two  pale  bands  on  bead,  forking  a  short 
distance  in  front  of  eyes. 

SOUTHERN    SOFT-SHELLED  TURTLE,  T.   ferox. 

Distribution. — Georgia    to    Florida;    westward    to 

Louisiana. 

Carapace  olive,  with  numerous  black  rings. 
Two  pale  bands  on  bead,  forking  at  base  of  proboscis. 

SPINY    SOFT-SHELLED  TURTLE,  T.  Spinifer. 

Distribution. — Central  and  northern  tributaries  of 
the  Mississippi  and  St.  Lawrence  Rivers. 

B.  Front  margin  of  carapace  smooth. 

Carapace  brown  or  olive,  unicolour  or  with  obscure, 
line-like  blotches.  Head  markings  obscure,  but 
forking  at  base  of  proboscis. 

BROWN    SOFT-SHELLED  TURTLE,  T.  muticus. 

Distribution. — Similar  to  T.  spinifer. 
Carapace   olive,    usually    with    numerous    black    dots. 
Head  bands  uniting  a  short  distance  in  front  of  eyes. 
EMORY'S  SOFT-SHELLED  TURTLE,  T.  emoryi. 

Distribution. — Tributaries  of  the  Rio  Grande  River. 

The  markings  on  the  carapace  are  usually  lacking  on  old 
individuals  of  all  the  species. 

The  descriptions  of  these  turtles,  when  dealing  with  struc- 
tural characters  alone  are  difficult  problems  for  the  beginner. 
The  colouration  of  the  carapace  cannot  be  relied  upon  owing 
to  the  fading  of  the  markings  on  old  specimens,  as  explained, 

*  Two  alleged  species  are  excluded.  These  are  Trionyx  asper  and  T. 
nuchalis,  both  of  Agassiz.  The  range  of  the  former  has  been  given  as 
;<The  Mississippi" — the  latter  as  occurring  in  the  Cumberland  and  the 
Tennessee  Rivers.  The  writer  has  been  unable  to  examine  specimens 
of  either  and  is  not  convinced  as  to  their  standing  as  full  species.  Both 
appear  to  be  related  to  T.  mutica. 

73 


The  Soft-shelled  Turtles 

but  the  "bead  markings  are  important.  As  but  four  species  are  to 
be  described,  and  these  may  be  separated,  as  seen  by  the  key, 
into  two  groups,  according  to  the  structure  of  the  carapace,  the 
descriptions  may  be  concise,  and  identifications  should  be  made 
readily. 

THE  SOUTHERN  SOFT-SHELLED  TURTLE 

Trionyx  ferox,  (Schweigger) 

Largest  of  the  North  American  species;  attains  a  length 
(of  shell)  of  1 8  inches  and  a  weight  of  about  30  pounds.  The 
carapace  is  not  much  longer  than  broad;  on  the  front  margin 
is  a  row  of  conical  tubercles;  these  are  but  little  developed  on 
young  specimens.  When  the  animal  is  out  of  the  water,  the  edges 
of  the  carapace  droop  about  it.  The  central  portions  are  much 
harder,  as  the  skeleton — the  ribs  and  vertebrae,  lies  close  to  the 
surface;  the  outlines  of  these  bones  may  be  detected  on  very 
old  or  thin  examples.  The  tail  is  very  thick  and  moderately 
long,  with  the  vent  situated  near  the  tip.  When  the  head  and 
front  limbs  are  withdrawn,  the  forward,  thin  flap  of  the  carapace, 
closes  against  the  plastron;  the  hind  limbs  are  unprotected. 

Colouration. — Perfectly  adult  specimens  have  a  uniform, 
dull  brown  carapace.  The  head  is  brown,  with  very  indistinct 
pale  bands,  but  these  may  be  seen  to  join  immediately  in  front 
of  the  eyes.  The  plastron  is  immaculate  white. 

Specimens  not  fully  grown  have  an  olive  or  pale  brown 
carapace,  marked  with  dull,  black  spots,  or  dots,  disposed  in 
rings.  On  each  side  of  the  head  and  neck  is  a  yellowish  band; 
this  extends  forward  through  the  eye,  and  unites  with  its  fellow 
on  the  top  of  the  head  a  short  distance  in  front  of  the  eyes.  The 
character  evinced  by  these  bands  is  important  in  distinguishing 
the  species  from  the  Spiny  Soft-shelled  Turtle,  on  the  top  of  the 
head  of  which,  the  bands  unite  way  forward — at  the  base  of-the 
proboscis. 

Very  young  specimens  are  gaily  coloured. 

Dimensions. — The  writer's  largest  specimen  had  a  carapace 
18  inches  long  and  15^  inches  wide.  It  weighed  29  pounds, 
and  was  captured  in  an  inlet  of  the  Indian  River,  Florida. 

Distribution. — Georgia  and  southward  throughout  Florida; 
westward  through  Louisiana — in  rivers  and  ponds  with  a  muddy 
bottom;  often  in  brackish  water.  The  species  is  edible  and 

74 


The  Soft-shelled  Turtles 

sold  in  considerable  quantities  in  the  markets  of  both  the  South 
and  the  North. 

Habits  of  the  Soft-shelled  Turtle 

Old  logs,  protruding  a  moist  and  slimy  surface  a  few  inches 
from  the  water,  sometimes  tempt  these  creatures  from  the  ele- 
ment for  which  they  are  specially  provided.  In  such  situations 
they  lie  taking  a  sun-bath,  with  limbs  withdrawn  beneath  their 
flabby  "shells"  and  their  long  necks  stretched  to  the  fullest 
extent,  imparting  the  idea  of  as  many  snakes,  emerging  from 
under  flat  stones.  At  the  least  alarm  they  scramble  frantically 
for  the  water,  but  upon  reaching  it  their  clumsy  movements 
are  instantly  transformed.  Against  the  resisting  surface,  the 
broad,  fin-like  feet  take  great  purchase  and  the  frightened  rep- 
tiles disappear  with  almost  the  agility  of  a  scurrying  school  of 
fishes. 

While  displaying  the  same  habits  as  most  reptiles — the 
flight  for  shelter  if  the  coast  be  clear — the  soft-shelled  turtle 
at  bay  is  one  of  the  most  vicious  of  cold-blooded  creatures: 
moreover,  the  knife-like  edges  of  the  jaws  of  large  individuals 
are  formidable  weapnos,  capable  of  badly  lacerating  a  man's 
fingers,  or  possibly  severing  a  finger  if  seized  at  the  joint.  The 
soft-shelled  turtle  darts  at  the  offending  object  with  the  rapidity 
of  the  serpent's  stroke.  This  vicious  nature  has  elicited  for  the 
animal,  in  many  parts  of  the  South,  the  title  of  "soft-shelled 
snapping  turtle."  It  frequently  takes  the  hooks  of  the  fisher- 
men and  in  its  frenzy  to  escape  is  always  an  object  to  prompt 
cautious  manipulation. 

The  food  of  the  soft-shelled  turtle  is  varied.  It  is  among 
the  worst  enemies  of  fish,  frogs  and  even  young  fowl.  Fresh- 
water mollusca  are  devoured  in  large  quantities,  particularly 
by  the  larger  individuals. 

During  the  early  summer,  the  female  leaves  the  water  to 
seek  a  sandy  spot  exposed  to  the  glare  of  the  sun.  Once  a  suit- 
able place  is  found  she  scoops  away  the  sand  and  burrows  into 
it  to  the  depth  of  three  or  four  inches  until  she  is  completely 
covered  and  hidden,  with  the  exception  of  a  small  opening 
through  which  she  pokes  her  tubular  snout.  Here  she  remains 
for  some  days,  until  all  the  eggs  have  been  deposited,  usually 

75 


The  Soft-shelled  Turtles 

to  the  number  of  several  dozen,  when  she  crawls  from  the  burrow 
in  a  fashion  that  leaves  the  eggs  covered  and  makes  her  way 
back  to  the  water.  The  eggs  are  white  and  perfectly  spherical; 
the  shells  are  hard  and  brittle,  but  very  thin.  The  diameter 
of  an  egg  of  average  size  is  i£  inches,  and  looks  much  like  the 
egg  of  the  common  snapping  turtle  (Chelydra  serpentina).  See 
illustration. 

In  captivity,  the  soft-shelled  turtle  will  live  for  years,  if 
provided  with  a  deep  tank  and  means  of  occasionally  crawling 
from  the  water.  The  resting  places  should  be  perfectly  smooth 
or  the  reptiles  bruise  the  tender  plastron  causing  sores  to  develop 
which  ultimately  result  in  the  animal's  death.  Hence  rock- 
work  or  concrete  should  not  be  used.  Old,  water-soaked  logs 
or  pieces  of  bark,  fastened  in  such  positions  that  they  slope  very 
gradually  from  the  water,  form  the  best  resting  places.  The 
bottom  of  the  tank  should  be  covered,  for  three  inches  or  more, 
with  fine  sand,  as  in  this,  the  turtles  will  burrow  and  remain 
for  some  time  beneath  the  surface.  They  should  be  fed  chopped 
fish,  or  small  minnows,  raw  beef  and  earthworms.  It  is  always 
advisable  to  procure  young,  or  half-grown  specimens.  They 
are  not  alone  brighter  in  colouration,  but  appear  more  hardy. 

As  captives,  the  writer  has  had  admirable  opportunities 
of  studying  the  species.  Some  large  specimens — about  fifteen 
inches  in  length  of  shell,  were  placed  in  a  tank  twenty  feet  long 
and  eight  feet  wide.  On  one  side  of  this  capacious  basin  was 
a  slanting  runway,  but  during  the  several  months  that  the  turtles 
were  kept  here,  they  spent  their  entire  time  in  the  water,  which 
was  about  five  feet  deep.  When  undisturbed  their  swimming 
movements  were  very  deliberate  and  graceful,  recalling  the 
actions  of  the  marine  turtles.  After  crawling  about  the  bottom 
of  the  tank  for  a  time,  a  specimen  would  slowly  rear  itself  upon 
the  hind  feet,  and  then,  with  a  single  sweep  of  the  front  limbs, 
rise  to  the  surface,  where  it  floated  about  with  the  slender  tip 
of  the  snout  protruding  from  the  water.  If  alarmed,  while  in 
this  position,  all  signs  of  grace  disappear.  Working  the  broad, 
paddle-like  feet  in  alternation,  he  would  dart  through  the  water 
in  lively  fashion  to  seek  a  dark  corner  and  there  to  hide.  Every 
three  days,  each  of  these  turtles  was  given  a  fair-sized  shad. 
It  was  devoured  by  a  series  of  clean-cut  bites,  the  sharp  jaws 
cutting  the  fish  as  readily  as  a  cleaver. 

76 


THE  REPTILE  BOOK 


PLATE  XXVI 


. .  ...«^^  HH^^^^L     . 


EGGS  OF  TRIOXYX  SPIXIFER 

Owing  to  their  spherical  form,  the  eggs  are  much  like 

those  of  the  snapping  turtles 


HEAD  OF  TRIONYX  SPIN1FER 

The  fleshy  lips  cover  keen-edged   and   strong 

mandibles 


FRONT  OF  CARAPACE— SPINY  SOFT-SHELLED  TURTLE,  Trionyx  spinifer 
The  spiny  tubercles  are  only  present  on  old  specimens 


%,      YOUNG  OF  THE  SOUTHERN  SOFT-SHELLED  TURTLE,  Trionyx  ferox 
The  bright  markings  on  the  shell  disappear  with  age — in  fact,  after  the  creature  is  a  year  old 


THE  REPTILE  BOOK 


PLATE  XXVTI 


SOUTHERN  SOFT-SHELLED  TURTLE,  Trionyx  jerox 

In  the  rivers  of  Florida  this  species  attains  a  weight  of  30  pounds.     A  big  specimen  is  dangerous  to  handle,  as  the  head  darts  at  an 
offending  object  with  the  quickness  of  a  serpent's  stroke 


BROWN  SOFT-SHELLED  TURTLE,  Trionyx  muticus 

Mature  examples  are  uniform  pale  brown  or  olive,  which  hue  admirably  matches  the  muddv  river-bottom  and  aids  the 

creature  in  obtaining  its  prey 


The  Soft- shelled  Turtles 

THE  SPINY  SOFT-SHELLED  TURTLE 

Trionyx  spinifer,  (Lesson) 

A  smaller  species  than  the  preceding,  but  the  general  char- 
acters are  very  similar.  The  conical,  spiny  tubercles  on  the 
front  margin  of  the  carapace  are  very  pronounced. 

Colouration. — Dull  olive,  with  a  narrow  yellow  border, 
internally  margined  with  black.*  There  are  numerous  black 
rings  scattered  over  the  carapace — a  character  vividly  apparent 
on  young  specimens,  which  are  green.  The  plastron  is  immacu- 
late white. 

Head  markings. — The  head  is  olive — not  brown  as  with 
the  preceding  species.  On  each  side  of  the  head,  and  the  neck, 
is  a  yellow,  black-bordered  stripe,  extending  forward  and  through 
the  eye  thence  uniting  with  its  fellow  at  the  base  of  the  snout. 
The  head-markings  alone  will  immediately  separate  the  species 
from  the  Southern  soft-shelled  turtle.  The  limbs  are  olive, 
spotted  and  marbled  with  black. 

Dimensions. — A  mature,  female  specimen,  taken  at  Quincy, 
Illinois,  shows  the  following  measurements: 

Length  of  Carapace 14  inches 

Width  of  12 

Length  of  Plastron 10 

Length  of  Tail   3i 

Width  of  Head if 

Width  of  Spread,  Hind  Foot   3! 

Weight y|  fts. 

Distribution. — An  abundant  species  in  the  Central  States. 
It  inhabits  the  tributaries  of  the  Mississippi  River  in  the  states 
of  Missouri,  Iowa,  Illinois,  Wisconsin,  Indiana,  Ohio,  Pennsyl- 
vania and  western  New  York.  It  also  occurs  in  the  tributaries 
of  the  St.  Lawrence  River,  the  lakes  of  northern  New  York 
State,  and  has  been  taken  as  far  east  as  Lake  Champlain. 

Owing  to  the  existence  of  the  several  canals  in  the  upper 
part  of  New  York  State,  avenues  offering  an  extension  of  distri- 
bution have  been  taken  advantage  of  by  the  soft-shelled  turtles. 
Thus  we  may  understand  why  occasional  specimens  are  found  in 
the  Hudson  River.  The  headquarters  of  this  species  should  be 
given,  however,  as  the  Central  States.  Here  the  turtles  are  so 
numerous  as  to  be  a  real  nuisance  to  the  angler. 

*  Seen  on  all  the  species. 

77 


The  Soft- shelled  Turtles 

THE  BROWN  SOFT-SHELLED  TURTLE;  OR  UNARMED 
SOFT-SHELLED  TURTLE 

Trionyx  muticus,  (Lesueur) 

From  the  two  preceding  species,*  this  soft-shelled  turtle 
differs  in  the  absence  of  spiny  tubercles  on  the  front  margin  of 
the  carapace.  It  is  also  of  smaller  size  and  the  head  is  pro- 
portionately narrower. 

Colouration. — The  head  markings  are  like  the  Spiny  Soft- 
shelled  Turtle — the  bands  uniting  at  the  base  of  the  proboscis; 
on  many  specimens  the  head  markings  are  very  obscure. 

The  carapace  is  brown  or  olive,  and  with  but  faint  mark- 
ings. They  may  be  in  the  shape  of  short,  line-like  spots,  or 
dull  blotches. 

Dimensions. — The  smallest  of  the  North  American  species, 
seldom  attaining  a  length  of  shell  of  over  ten  inches.  The  meas- 
urements of  a  specimen  taken  in  the  Mississippi  River,  near 
St.  Louis,  Mo.,  are  given: 

Length  of  Carapace     6|  inches 

Width  of  6£      " 

WidthofHead |      " 

Distribution. — Central  and  northern  tributaries  of  the 
Mississippi  River  and  tributaries  of  the  St.  Lawrence.  The 
species  is  not  so  widely  abundant  as  the  Spiny  Soft-shelled  Turtle. 

EMORY'S  SOFT-SHELLED  TURTLE 

Trionyx  emoryi,  ( Agassi  z) 

Though  this  species  is  closely  related  to  the  Southeastern 
soft-shelled  turtle,  (T.  ferox)  there  are  no  tubercles  on  the  front 
margin  of  the  carapace.  The  proboscis  is  rather  short. 

Colouration. — Carapace  olive,  with  the  usual,  pale  margin. 
In  place  of  the  ring-like  markings  of  the  allied  species,  there 
are  numerous  black  dots. 

The  head  markings  appeal  to  those  of  ferox.  The  pale 
lines  unite  in  front  of  the  eyes,  but  they  fuse  into  a  pale,  trian- 

*  It  must  herewith  be  explained  that  the  arrangement  of  the  species 
is  not  according  to  technical  classification,  but  in  a  fashion  that  will  be 
most  readily  comprehended  by  the  less  advanced  worker.  In  reality, 
T.  muticus  is  most  nearly  allied  to  T.  spinifer  and  should  thus  follow  it, 
while  the  same  condition  relates  to  T.  ferox  and  T.  emoryi. 

78 


The  Soft-shelled  Turtles 

gular  blotch,  extending  from  between  the  eyes  to  the  base  of 
the  proboscis. 

Dimensions. — The  shell  of  an  adult  specimen  is  about  twelve 
inches  long. 

Distribution. — Tributaries  of  the  Rio  Grande  River,  in 
Texas  and  Mexico. 


79 


THE  REPTILE  BOOK 


PLATE  XXVIII 


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O 


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,,  °  •/ 


O     .    / 


SPIXY  SOFT-SHELLED  TURTLE,  Trionyx  spinifer 
The  specimen  figured  is  half-grown.     At  maturity  the  ring-like  markings  become  quite  obscure.     Abundant  in  the  Central  States 


SPINY  SOFT-SHELLED  TURTLE,  Trionyx  spinifer 
The  plastron  is  soft  and  easily  lacerated  if  the  turtle  leaves  the  water  to  crawl  over  a  hard,  rough  surface 


THE  REPTILE  BOOK 


PLATE  XXIX 


THE  HOME  OF  THE  ALLIGATOR 
An  inlet  of  the  Savannah  River,  Hampton   County,    South    Carolina 


EGGS  OF  THE  ALLIGATOR 


The  nest  consists  of  a  mound  of  dead  leaves  and  twigs.     It  is  about  eight  feet  in  diameter  and  two  or  three  feet  high.     The  eggs  are  well 
buried,    closely    packed,  and    range  from   three  to  five  dozen 


PART  II. 

THE  CROCODILIANS 
Order  CROCODILIA 


CHAPTER  IX:  THE  CROCODILIANS 

ORDER  CROCODILIA 

An  Order  Represented  by  Two  Species  in  tie  United  States—the 
American  Crocodile  and  the  Alligator 

Classification. — The  Order  Crocodilia  contains  a  single 
family — the  Crocodilidce,  and  this  is  made  up  of  six  genera. 
There  is  a  total  number  of  about  twenty-three  species,  which 
inhabit  North  and  South  America,  Africa  and  Asia.  The  largest 
species  occur  in  the  Old  World. 

Structure. — The  general  structure  of  the  Crocodilians  is 
so  well  known  that  a  detailed  description  would  be  super- 
fluous. 

The  Crocodilians  are  huge,  lizard-like  reptiles,  and  amphibious 
in  habits.  The  back  is  covered  with  rows  of  bony  plates,  each 
surmounted  by  a  high,  sharp  ridge.  The  limbs,  tail  and  abdomen 
are  encased  in  a  tough,  leathery  armour  of  coarse  shields.  Flat, 
massive,  provided  with  powerful  jaws  and  studded  with  long, 
stout  teeth,  the  head  is  almost  devoid  of  fleshy  parts.  Thick 
and  muscular  at  the  base,  the  tail  is  much  flattened  toward 
the  terminal  half  and  surmounted  by  raised,  flat  shields.  It 
is  a  powerful  swimming  organ. 

The  North  American  species  are  easily  separated,  thus: 

Genus  Alligator.     Head  broad  and  rounded  at  the  snout. 
Blackish,  with  dull  yellow  markings. 

THE  ALLIGATOR,  A.  rtiississippiensis. 

Distribution. — Southeastern  United  States. 
Genus  Crocodilus.     Head  narrow  and  pointed  at  ibe  snout. 
Olive,  with  blackish  markings. 

AMERICAN  CROCODILE,  C.  americanus. 

Distribution. — In    the    United     States  —  southern 
Florida,  only. 

These  reptiles  are  herewith  considered  in  detail : 

83 


The  Crocodilians 

THE  ALLIGATOR 

Alligator  mississippiensis,  (Daudin) 

It  is  not  necessary  to  describe  this  very  familiar  reptile  be- 
beyond  comparing  it  structurally  to  the  other  Crocodilians  in- 
habiting the  United  States. 

The  most  striking  difference  between  the  two  species  is 
in  the  outlines  of  the  head.  The  head  of  the  Alligator  is  very 
broad,  and  is  bluntly  rounded  at  the  snout;  that  of  the  croco- 
dile is  narrow,  gradually  tapering  toward  the  snout  so  that  the 
conformation  of  the  head  might  be  explained  as  pointed.  The 
Alligator  is  altogether  a  stouter  species  than  the  crocodile  and 
its  tail  is  not  vertically  flattened  to  such  an  extent  as  that  of  the 
other  species.  An  Alligator  weighs  about  one-third  more  than 
a  crocodile — the  difference  being  made  up  by  the  more  massive 
skull  and  the  stouter  body. 

Colouration. — Young  alligators  are  black  or  very  dark  brown, 
with  bright  yellow  cross-bands.  The  yellow  markings  fade 
with  maturity  and  large  specimens  are  uniformly  black  or  dull 
gray.  They  may  show  traces  of  pale,  but  dull  blotches  on  the 
sides. 

There  is  an  albinistic  specimen  living  in  the  New  York 
Zoological  Park.  The  greater  portion  of  this  animal  is  yellowish 
white,  although  there  are  black  patches  scattered  over  the  en- 
tire body. 

Dimensions. — Very  large  alligators  are  so  rare  nowadays 
that  a  specimen  twelve  feet  long  must  be  considered  a  giant. 
There  was  a  time  in  Florida — long  since  gone — when  alligators 
fourteen  and  fifteen  feet  long  were  of  no  great  rarity.  The 
writer  doubts  if  there  is  an  individual  living  in  Florida  to-day 
that  can  approach  such  measurements,  and  he  believes  there 
are  but  few  twelve-foot  specimens  left.  It  is  his  conviction 
that  the  finest  living  example  of  what  a  patriach  "bull  "'gator" 
should  be,  is  the  enormous  specimen  now  in  the  New  York  Zoolog- 
ical Park — "Old  Mose."  This  individual  barely  misses  a  measure- 
ment of  thirteen  feet  and  its  massive  frame  suggests  the  out- 
lines of  a  hippopotamus.  It  can  swallow  eight  pound  chickens 
entire,  and  at  a  single  gulp. 

Another  fine  specimen  in  the  reptile  house  of  the  same 
Park,  shows  the  following  measurements: 

84 


The  Crocodilians 

Total  Length      1 1  feet,  5^  inches. 

Length  of  Head 2  feet,  4^  inches. 

Length  of  Tail    5  feet,  1 1  f  inches. 

Estimated  Weight 450   pounds. 

It  should  not  be  taken  for  granted,  however,  that  an  alli- 
gator must  attain  such  dimensions  before  reaching  maturity. 
The  writer  has  noted  several  female  specimens  less  than  nine 
feet  long,  that  laid  large  numbers  of  eggs;  one  of  these  was  a 
South  Carolina  specimen;  she  was  less  than  eight  feet  in  length 
and  deposited  37  eggs. 

Growth  of  the  Alligator. — It  is  a  generally  mistaken  idea 
that  the  growth  of  the  alligator  is  very  slow.  Actual  conditions 
are  much  to  the  contrary.  While  it  may  take  an  alligator 
longer  to  attain  maturity  than  a  lizard  or  a  snake,  the  wild 
saurian  easily  reaches  an  adult  development  within  five  or  six 
years.  As  an  illustration  of  the  alleged  tardy  growth  of  the 
species,  the  writer  quotes  from  Prof.  E.  D.  Cope's  technical  work 
on  the  crocodilians,  lizards  and  snakes  of  North  America;  at 
the  end  of  the  description  of  the  alligator  is  a  portion  of  an  article 
by  Dr.  Hugh  M.  Smith,  of  the  United  States  Fish  Commission; 
this  reads,  in  part:  "Alligators  grow  very  slowly.  At  fifteen 
years  of  age  they  are  only  two  feet  long.  A  twelve-footer  may 
be  reasonably  supposed  to  be  seventy-five  years  old." 

The  writer's  observations  have  pointed  to  quite  the  con- 
trary of  this  statement.  He  collected  a  nest  of  alligator  eggs 
in  South  Carolina,  in  August  of  1900.  There  were  thirty-seven 
eggs  in  the  nest,  of  about  the  diameter  of  a  hen's  egg  but  more 
elongated.  Packing  the  eggs  in  the  material  composing  the 
nest,  they  were  shipped  to  New  York,  where  five  of  them  hatched, 
between  October  8th  and  i4th.  The  remainder  failed  to  hatch, 
possibly  becoming  spoiled  in  the  shaking  they  received  during 
shipment. 

At  the  time  of  hatching,  the  young  alligators  were  8  inches 
long,  and  weighed  1 1-  ounces. 

One  year  after  hatching,  they  were  again  measured  and 
weighed.  Their  average  length  was  18  inches,  and  their  weight, 
9i  ounces,  showing  an  increase  of  ten  inches  in  length. 

In  August  of  1902  their  average  length  was  23  inches  and  tie 
average  weight  3  pounds. 

In  March  of  1903  the  young  alligators  were  3  feet,  9  inches 

85    ' 


The  Crocodilians 

long;  they  weighed  14  pounds.  At  the  time  of  this  measurement 
they  were  but  two  and  a  half  years  old,  yet  had  increased  thirty- 
seven  inches  in  length. 

The  last  measurements  of  this  series  of  specimens  were  made 
on  November  lyth,  1905,  and  demonstrate  a  surprising  rate 
of  growth.  The  specimens  showed  an  average  length  of  5  feet, 
6  inches,  and  a  weight  of  50  pounds. 

In  a  wild  state,  growth  is  undoubtedly  more  rapid  than 
here  noted.  The  female  alligators  construct  their  nests  near 
shallows,  teeming  with  fish.  The  temperature  of  these  Southern 
swamps  is  very  high  and  the  atmosphere  reeks  with  moisture. 
In  such  places,  where  small  fish  are  so  abundant  that  they  may 
be  scooped  out  of  the  water  with  one's  hand,  in  the  high  tem- 
perature and  sunlight,  where  everything  is  conducive  to  the 
rapid  development  of  the  young  saurian,  it  is  probable  that  it 
reaches  maturity  within  four  or  five  years. 

The  same,  steady  rate  of  growth  has  been  observed  with 
large  individuals.  A  specimen  in  the  reptile  house  measuring 
exactly  seven  feet  in  1900,  was  measured  in  the  fall  of  1905; 
its  total  length  was  then  10  feet,  1 1  inches. 

All  of  the  specimens  figuring  in  these  measurements  were 
kept  in  large  tanks,  heated  to  a  temperature  of  about  90°  F. 
This  almost  tepid  water  is  a  correct  imitation  of  the  native  bayous. 
If  alligators  are  kept  in  cold  water,  especially  during  the  Northern 
winter  months,  they  feed  but  poorly  or  not  at  all,  and  growth 
ceases  altogether. 

Distribution. — Rivers  and  swamps  of  the  low,  coastal  region, 
from  North  Carolina,  throughout  Florida,  and  westward  to  the 
Rio  Grande,  in  Texas. 

Three  species  of  the  genus  Alligator  are  known.  One 
species  inhabits  China;  the  habitat  of  the  other  is  unknown. 

Habits. — The  alligator  is  becoming  rare  in  most  portions 
of  the  South  and  extermination  is  not  far  distant.  Many  cir- 
cumstances handicap  the  reptile  in  its  battle  for  existence  against 
mankind.  Large  and  readily  discernible,  the  sight  of  an  alli- 
gator from  a  river  steamer  is  usually  the  signal  for  a  fusillade 
of  lead,  and  the  old  theory  that  the  reptile's  plated  skin  is  proof 
against  a  bullet,  no  longer  holds  good.  A  ball  from  a  modern 
rifle  or  a  good  revolver,  will  easily  penetrate  the  tough  hide  of 
an  alligator  and  produce  a  mortal  wound.  But  it  is  not  alone 

B6 


The  Crocodilians 

for  purposes  of  diversion  that  this  inoffensive  species  is  so  gen- 
erally slaughtered.  The  commercial  value  of  the  hide  has  been 
an  important  factor  in  the  thinning  of  its  numbers.  Dr.  Hugh 
M.  Smith,  says:*  "It  is  estimated  that  2,500,000  were  killed  in 
Florida  between  1880  and  1894.  Thus  does  the  destruction 
go  on.  Moreover,  the  female  alligator  constructs  a  nest  that 
forms  a  prominent  object  and  renders  the  eggs  at  the  mercy 
of  vandals.  The  eggs  are  eaten  in  many  portions  of  the  South 
and  the  search  for  nests  at  the  proper  season,  furnishes  profitable 
employment  for  many  persons,  as  each  nest  contains  a  large 
number  of  eggs.  Young  alligators,  that  have  succeeded  in  mak- 
ing their  entry  to  the  world,  frequent  the  shallow  waters  to  avoid 
falling  prey  to  large  fish  and  turtles.  In  such  places  they  are 
easily  captured.  They  are  sold  to  curio  dealers,  thence  to  tour- 
ists from  the  North  who  carry  them  away  to  endure  a  slow  death 
from  starvation. 

From  this  relentless  wave  of  extermination,  the  alligator 
has  retreated  into  the  more  secluded  swamps  and  bayous.  In 
an  almost  inaccessible,  muddy  lake,  about  forty  miles  up,  and 
inland  a  mile  from  the  Savannah  River,  the  writer  discovered 
several  large  alligators.  In  his  opinion  these  reptiles  were  liv- 
ing a  peaceful  life  of  seclusion  and  he  remarked  as  much  to  the 
guide.  Such  proved  not  to  be  the  case.  The  guide  explained 
that  some  gentlemen  who  spent  a  number  of  weeks  each  year 
in  hunting  deer  through  the  region  had  "spotted"  the  place 
and  paid  it  repeated  visits  in  an  effort  to  "get  a  shot  at  a  'gator." 
They  had  killed  three  large  ones  and,  as  a  memento  of  the  sport, 
one  of  them  had  removed  a  section  of  the  hide  from  the  largest 
animal  killed,  which  was  about  eight  feet  long.  The  guide 
further  explained  that  the  section  of  skin  removed  from  the 
big  brute  was  large  enough  to  make  into  a  lady  s  pocket-book. 
This  little  keepsake  for  the  wife  of  one  of  the  sportsmen  possibly 
forms  an  interesting  object  for  recalling  reminiscences  to  the 
minds  of  the  worthy  hunters.  With  wanton  slaughter  con- 
tinuing at  this  rate,  the  reader  may  calculate  how  long  the  alli- 
gator will  continue  to  exist. 

In  its  native  state  the  alligator  is  a  very  voracious  creature, 
though  it  evinces  great  timidity  toward  man.  However,  when 
cornered  it  fights  with  great  energy.  This  is  the  case  if  it  is 

*  Bulletin,  U.  S.  Fish  Commission,  XI,  1891,  p.  343. 

87 


The  Crocodilians 

caught  away  from  the  water  and  prevented  from  seeking  its 
escape  in  the  element  in  which  it  is  so  agile  and  at  ease.  The 
tail  and  jaws  of  an  alligator  seven  or  eight  feet  in  length  are 
formidable  weapons  and  usually  put  into  simultaneous  action. 
Unable  to  turn  the  head  to  any  extent,  upon  the  short,  thick 
neck,  the  reptile  bends  its  entire  body,  in  bow-like  fashion,  reach- 
ing sideways  at  an  enemy,  this  motion  bringing  the  tail  around 
toward  the  head  and  with  force  enough  to  knock  a  man  from 
his  feet  and  sweep  him  in  the  direction  of  the  infuriated  brute's 
crushing  powers.  The  jaws  possess  great  strength,  and,  armed 
as  they  are,  with  large  and  numerous  teeth,  could  crush  the 
bones  of  a  man's  arm  or  leg  without  difficulty.  In  snapping 
at  an  object  that  has  greatly  provoked  its  anger,  the  jaws  of  a 
large  alligator  will  often  come  together  with  a  deep,  booming 
sound,  not  unlike  the  striking  of  a  bass  drum. 

If  discovered  in  its  basking  place  and  the  escape  is  not  cut 
off  the  wild  alligator  will  always  rush  for  the  water  in  clumsy 
fashion,  plunge  in  and  dive  out  of  sight.  So  great  is  this  reptile's 
fear  of  man  that  no  matter  what  may  be  the  size  of  the  saurian, 
from  a  twelve-inch  "barker"  up  to  a  twelve-foot  bull  that  shakes 
the  night  air  of  the  lagoons  with  his  bellowings,  the  same  shyness 
is  to  be  noted.  A  man  may  with  perfect  safety  go  bathing  in 
waters  inhabited  by  alligators  and  feel  assured  that  his  presence 
has  inspired  the  reptiles  to  place  a  substantial  distance  between 
him  and  themselves. 

The  food  of  the  alligator  consists  of  fish,  mammals  and  birds. 
The  younger  individuals  feed  largely  upon  the  former,  together 
with  frogs,  tadpoles  and  insects.  Water  fowl  fall  the  frequent 
prey  of  the  big  specimens  which  approach  the  unsuspecting 
quarry  from  below  as  the  latter  paddle  upon  the  surface.  A 
ten-foot  alligator  can  easily  swallow  a  medium-sized  duck,  entire. 

If  the  prey  is  too  large  to  be  swallowed  whole,  it  is  shaken 
violently  and  thus  torn.  This  shaking  process  is  so  vigorous  that 
the  entrails  of  the  prey  are  often  sent  flying  for  a  distance  of 
twenty  feet  or  more.  Sometimes,  when  swimming  for  shallow 
water,  there  to  swallow  the  food,  another  alligator  is  met  and 
the  two  reptiles  indulge  in  a  not  altogether  bad-tempered  tear- 
ing up  of  the  food.  Each  takes  a  firm  hold  and  turns  around 
bodily  in  the  water  in  an  opposite  direction  from  that  of  the 
adversary.  The  manoeuvre  soon  divides  the  morsel.  As  the 

88 


PLATE  XXX 


Copyright,  1907,  by  Doubletlay.  Page  &  Company 
ALLIGATOR.  Alligator  mississippiensis. 

In  all  ot  the  large  rivers  of  the  South  the  Alligator  has  been  practically  exterminated.     It  is  yet  moderately  abundant  in 
lakes  and  lagoons  surrounded  by  heavy  timber  or  swampy  areas. 


Copyright,  1907.  b> 
AMERICAN  CROCODILE.  Crotodilmamertcantis. 

The  extreme  southern  portion  of  the  Florida  peninsula  is  the  only  portion  of  the  United  States  inhabited  by  a  true 
crocodile.     This  species  is  abundant  in  Mexico  and  Central  America. 


The  Crocodilians 

throat  of  the  alligator  is  furnished  with  a  valve-like  develop- 
ment, the  reptile  is  able  not  only  to  open  its  mouth,  but  to  break 
the  bones  of  its  prey  while  under  water  in  a  series  of  masticatory 
movements  and  without  a  drop  of  water  passing  beyond  the 
valve,  which  is  voluntarily  opened  and  closed.  To  swallow  its 
food  the  alligator  must  raise  its  head  above  the  water.  This 
it  sometimes  does  by  lurching  suddenly  upward  while  in  deep 
water  and  swallowing  with  a  single  gulp.  It  more  frequently 
comes  to  shallow  places  to  swallow  the  prey.  In  this  habit  it 
differs  from  other  semi-aquatic  reptiles — like  the  turtles.  The 
latter  not  only  swallow  their  food  beneath  the  surface,  but  are 
unable  to  eat  otherwise.  The  writer  witnessed  the  greediness 
of  a  very  large  alligator,  illustrated  in  a  tragic  manner.  As 
a  dog,  weighing  about  fifty  pounds,  unwarily  approached  the 
edge  of  this  creature's  tank,  it  was  suddenly  grasped  and  before 
completing  its  first  yelp  of  terror  was  dragged  beneath  the  sur- 
face. A  few  minutes  later  the  twelve-foot  saurian  appeared 
at  the  top,  holding  the  dead  canine  in  its  jaws.  The  dog  was 
shifted  about,  amid  the  sound  of  breaking  bones,  and  swallowed 
head  first,  and  entire,  after  a  few  gulps. 

Among  reptiles,  the  alligator  is  unique  in  giving  voice  to  a 
loud  noise,  or  bellow.  In  the  Southern  swamps  the  night  air 
carries  the  call  of  a  large  individual  for  a  mile  or  more.  The 
"bellowing"  of  an  alligator  is  hard  to  describe,  as  it  varies  greatly 
in  cadence  according  to  the  size  of  the  reptile,  and  from  a  sound 
like  the  gentle  "mooing"  of  a  cow  with  the  small  alligator  of 
about  five  feet,  ranges  to  a  thundering  and  tremulous  blast  of 
the  big  male — ten  feet  or  more  in  length.  As  the  patriach  gives 
voice  to  his  roars,  the  scent  glands — on  the  under-surface  of  the 
chin — are  opened  and  fine,  steamy  jets  of  a  powerful,  musky- 
smelling  fluid  float  off  into  the  heavy,  miasmatic  atmosphere 
of  the  bayou.  The  odour  may  be  carried  for  miles  and  to  the 
negroes  it  always  signifies,  "a  big,  ol'  'gator." 

THE  AMERICAN  CROCODILE 
Crocodilus   americanus,  (Laurenti) 

Little  in  the  way  of  description  is  necessary  as  under  the 
head  of  the  Alligator,  the  structure  of  the  present  species  has 
been  compared  with  the  former. 

The  Crocodile  is  a  more  slender  and  a  much  more  agile 

89 


The  Crocodilians 

species  than  the  alligator.  Its  long,  narrow  and  pointed  head 
at  once  distinguishes  it. 

Compared  with  the  alligator,  the  teeth  are  larger  (longer) 
and  more  pointed.  By  a  peculiar  development  of  the  snout — 
immediately  in  front  of  the  nostrils — two  of  the  teeth  of  the  lower 
jaw  usually  pierce  the  upper,  bony  process  and  their  points 
glisten  above  the  dark  skin  of  the  snout. 

Colouration. — Young  specimens  are  distinctly  greenish, 
with  black  markings.  Half  grown  individuals  and  young  adults 
are  olive,  while  very  old  specimens  are  dull  gray.  The  olive  or 
gray  tints  may  be  at  once  recognised  from  the  black,  or  blue- 
black  of  an  alligator,  and  if  the  creature  be  in  the  water  and  the 
head  not  clearly  distinguishable,  the  colour  is  a  good  character 
upon  which  to  judge  the  animal's  kind. 

Dimensions. — As  the  Crocodile  in  Florida  frequents  portions 
of  the  peninsula  that  are  less  disturbed  than  the  domains  of  the 
alligators,  occasional  very  large  specimens  are  recorded.  The 
maximum  length  appears  to  be  about  fourteen  feet.  Specimens 
eleven  and  twelve  feet  long  are  not  rare  in  the  extreme  southern 
portion  of  the  state. 

Following  are  the  measurements  of  an  adult,  female  specimen, 
in  the  New  York  Zoological  Park: 

Total  length 10  feet,    2\  inches. 

Length  of  Tail 4  feet,    9 

Length  of  Head 22 

Length  of  Largest  Teeth    I 

Girth  of  Body 3  feet,  1 1         " 

Weight   280  pounds. 

Distribution. — The  American  Crocodile  was  first  discovered 
in  the  United  States  by  Mr.  William  T.  Hornaday.  North  of 
Mexico,  the  species  occurs  only  in  the  extreme  southern  por- 
tion of  the  Florida  peninsula.  Regarding  it,  Mr.  Hornaday 
writes:  "The  presence  of  a  true  crocodile  in  Florida  was  not 
discovered  until  1875,  when  a  pair  of  specimens  of  large  size 
were  collected  in  Arch  Creek,  at  the  head  of  Biscayne  Bay,  by 
Mr.  C.  E.  Jackson  and  the  writer.  The  male  measured  14  feet 
2  inches  (with  4  inches  of  his  tail  missing)  and  the  female  10 
feet  8  inches.  Since  that  date,  at  least  seventy  specimens  have 
been  taken  between  Lake  Worth  and  Cape  Sable.  Lake  Worth 
is  the  Northern  limit  of  the  species,  bat  it  is  most  abundant  in 

90 


The  Crocodilians 

the  watery  labyrinth  of  low  land  and  shallow  water  where  the 
mainland  of  Florida  reluctantly  sinks  into  the  Gulf." 

South  of  the  United  States  the  American  Crocodile  has  an 
extensive  range.  It  occurs  from  central  Mexico  to  Ecuador 
and  in  the  West  Indies.  It  is  more  frequently  abundant  in  salt- 
water marshes. 

Habits. — The  Crocodile  is  a  considerably  more  agile  and 
more  vicious  reptile  than  the  alligator,  yet  in  a  wild  state  this 
species  does  not  exhibit  hostility  toward  man.  The  sight  of 
a  child  will  send  a  twelve-foot  specimen  rushing  from  its  basking 
place  for  the  water,  and  a  man  may  even  bathe  with  safety  in 
rivers  frequented  by  the  species.  The  dangerous,  "man-eating" 
crocodiles  inhabit  India  and  Africa. 

In  the  habit  of  choosing  certain  basking  places  along  the 
river  bank  and  repeatedly  crawling  into  these  spots  to  sun,  this 
creature  resembles  the  alligator.  It  usually  selects  "water 
holes"  (deep  places  in  the  streams)  as  its  lair  and  here  hides 
under  the  shelving  bank  on  the  lookout  for  food. 

Of  the  nine  captive  specimens  that  have,  at  various  times, 
been  under  the  writer's  observation,  all  have  exhibited  a  uniform 
viciousness  approaching  actual  hostility.  This  in  direct  op- 
position to  the  reptile's  timidity  when  in  a  wild  state  and  al- 
together different  from  the  good-natured  demeanour  of  captive 
alligators  which  learn  to  follow  their  keeper  about  like  dogs, 
feed  from  his  hands  and  permit  the  man  to  walk  over  their  backs 
in  unceremonious  fashion.  One  captive  (Florida)  crocodile 
was  so  hostile  that  it  would  chase  the  keeper  from  its  enclosure 
if  he  attempted  to  enter  and  for  a  quarter  of  an  hour  or  more 
would  hiss  with  much  vigour  and  snap  its  jaws  with  rage.  An- 
other large  specimen  permitted  the  keeper  to  enter  the  paddock, 
but  could  never  be  trusted  as  it  would  frequently  turn  upon  the 
man  with  wonderful  agility.  This  creature  could  actually  run, 
with  some  speed  and  grace,  the  body  raised  fully  a  foot  from 
the  ground.  Compared  with  the  clumsy  movements  of  an  alli- 
gator, its  activity  was  surprising  for  a  creature  of  so  similar  a 
structure.  In  spite  of  their  ugliness,  these  captive  crocodiles 
were  voracious  in  their  feeding  and  anxious  enough  to  take 
food  from  their  keeper's  hand — in  fact  so  greedy  were  the  brutes 
that  they  were  very  dangerous.  They  would  spring  half  their 
length  out  of  the  water  by  suddenly  elevating  the  heavy  tail, 


The  Crocodilians 

and,  as  that  member  fell,  like  the  weighted  end  of  a  see-saw, 
the  body  shot  upward;  this  movement  was  assisted  by  an  up- 
ward leap,  bringing  the  animal  fully  five  feet  out  of  the  water 
and  with  good  certainty  of  aim  at  the  object  it  was  after.  They 
were  given  fowls,  large  fish  and  raw  beef,  at  intervals  of  about 
three  days  apart.  On  this  food  they  flourished  and  grew  at 
about  the  same  rate  as  the  alligators. 

The  specimen  from  which  the  measurements  were  taken 
deposited  thirty  eggs.  These  were  three  and  one-half  inches 
long  and  two  inches  in  diameter.  The  shell  was  hard  and  con- 
siderably thicker  than  that  of  a  duck's  egg. 


92 


PART    III. 

THE  LIZARDS 

Order  LACERTILIA 


CHAPTER  X:    CLASSIFICATION  OF  THE 
NORTH  AMERICAN  LIZARDS 

Of  the  North  American  reptiles  the  lizards  present  the 
greatest  number  of  families.  Following  is  a  classified  arrange- 
ment of  the  families  and  genera: 

Order  LACERTILIA 


FAMILY 

i 
GECKONID^; 
(The  Geckos) 

1       EUBLEPHARID^; 

(Geckos) 

iGUANIDjE 

(Iguanas, 
Chuckawallas, 
Desert  Lizards, 
Swifts, 
Horned"Toads" 
Etc.) 

GENUS 
[Phyllodaclylus  

JNOE 

.   2  Spe 

.TH  AMERICAN  SPECIES 

cies      Semi-arboreal 

'              Terrestrial 

Arboreal 
Semi-arboreal 
Terrestrial 

Mostly   terrestrial 

Terrestrial 
« 

< 
ii 

SphdBTodoctylus    .  . 

...   i 

r 
Eublsphons 

...   i        ' 

r  Anolis             

CtenosaurttS.   

...     2 

DipsosauTus     

.  .  .  .     I 

.  .  .  .     2 

Crotaphytus      

.     7 

CallisauTUS  

I 

Uwia             

.  .  .  .   4 

Holbfookid     

.    <: 

Uta              

.   .  I^ 

Lysoptychus  

.  .  .  .    i 

PhTynosovnd    

.  .  .  .12 

GcTThonotus  

4        ' 

n-hhisaiLl  "US  .  , 

.    i         ' 

Glass  Snakes) 

HELODERMATID^;    -I   Heloderma.. 
(Beaded   Lizards)   ( 


XANTUSIID^E 


Xantusia 
U 


•{  Cnemidophorus 8 

(Includes  the 
Striped  Lizards)   [ 

95 


Classification 

FAMILY 


GENUS 


NORTH  AMERICAN  SPECIES 


EUCHIROTIM;          J  Fuchirntcv  T  c 

(Two-footed  *  SPecies     Subterraneous 

Worm  Lizards)     ^ 


(Worm  Lizards) 

SCINCID.E 
(The  Skinks) 


ANIELLID^E 
(A  limbless 
species) 


Rhineura. 


(  Ewmeces 14        »        Mostly  terrestrial 

(  Lygosoma j        ..  Terrestrial 


Aniella. 


Total  number  of  species:  97 


Subterraneous 


CHAPTER  XI:  THE  GECKOS 

FAMILIES  GECKONID/E  AND  EUBLEPHARID^ 

A  Large  Group  of  Granular- scaled  Lizards,  Represented  by  Four 
Species  in  North  America 

Classification  and  Distribution. — The  Geckos  form  a  very 
large  group  of  lizards.  They  are  divided  into  three  families 
and  these  comprise  over  fifty  genera.  The  species  are  distributed 
throughout  the  semi-tropical  and  tropical  portions  of  the  globe. 
They  abound,  in  varied  form,  in  the  tropical  portions  of  the 
Old  World,  some  frequenting  the  dense  jungles,  others  living 
upon  burning,  desert  wastes  practically  devoid  of  other  signs 
of  animal  life.  A  vast  majority  of  the  species  are  nocturnal. 

Structure. — The  Geckos  have  not  the  scaly  aspect  of  most 
lizards.  Their  skin  appears  soft,  like  that  of  a  toad;  this  is  caused 
by  their  very  minute  scales.  The  eyes  are  usually  large,  with 
an  elliptical  pupil.  With  most  of  the  species  the  toes  are  much 
flattened,  or  expanded  in  the  form  of  adhesive  disks,  thus  ena- 
bling the  reptile  to  run  up  a  smooth,  perpendicular  surface.  The 
tail  is  characteristic  in  its  thick,  swollen  outlines;  it  is  easily 
separated  from  the  body. 

Many  of  the  tropical  Geckos  attain  a  large  size — a  foot  or 
more.  All  of  the  North  American  species  are  diminutive. 

Two  families  of  this  group  are  represented  in  the  United 
States — the  Geckonidce  and  the  Eubleplaridce,  by  a  total  number 
of  four  species.  The  families  are  separated  by  a  slight  difference 
of  the  skeleton. 

The  North  American  species  may  be  recognized  from  other 
lizards  by  the  flat,  pointed  head  which  is  swollen  at  the  temples, 
the  minute  scales  of  the  body  and  the  short,  very  thick  tail. 
The  usual  length  is  from  three  to  four  inches.  One  species  occurs 
in  Florida;  another  is  found  from  Texas  to  California  and  two 
species  inhabit  the  peninsula  of  Lower  California. 

Following  is  a  key  to  the  four  North  American  Geckos : 

97 


The  Geckos 


FAMILY  GECKONID^E 


A.  Scales  coarsely  granular. 

Brownish  yellow,  with  small,  dark  spots. 

REEF  GECKO,  Spbaerodactylus  notatus. 
Distribution. — Key  West,  Florida;  Cuba;  Bahamas. 

B.  Scales  exceedingly  small. 

*io — 12  rows  of  enlarged,  separated,  wart-like  scales  on 
the  back  and  sides. 

Brownish    yellow;  8 — 10   darker    bands    (transverse) 
on  each  side. 

TUBERCULAR  GECKO,  Pbyllodactylus  tuberculosus. 
Distribution. — Lower  California. 
**No  enlarged,  tubercular  scales. 
Gray;  5  broad,  black  cross-bands  with  pale  centres. 

CAPE  GECKO,    Pbyllodactylus  unctus. 
Distribution. — Lower  California. 

FAMILY  EUBLEPHARID^ 

Brown,  with  pale  yellow  cross-bands  or  blotches. 

BANDED  GECKO;  Eublepbaris  variegatus. 
Distribution. — Texas  to  California. 

The  Genus  Pbyllodactylus:  Twenty-five  species  are  con- 
tained within  this  genus.  They  occur  in  Lower  California, 
Mexico,  Central  America  and  tropical  South  America,  Africa 
and  Australia. 

Following  are  details  concerning  the  two  species  found 
in  North  America: 

THE  TUBERCULAR  GECKO;  WARTY  GECKO 

Pbyllodactylus  tuberculosus,  (Wiegmann) 
From  the  other  North  American  Geckos  this  lizard  may 
be  told  by  the  rows — roto  12 — of  enlarged,  separated,  wart-like  or 
tubercular  scales,  running  lengthwise  on  the  back  and  the  sides; 
between  these  the  scales  are  very  minute.  The  toes  arexmuch 
flattened  and  expanded  at  the  tips,  the  under  sides  of  which 
form  adhesive  disks  to  aid  the  creature  in  running  over  smooth, 
upright,  surfaces.  The  eye  is  extremely  large,  with  upright 
(elliptical)  pupil. 

Colouration. — Pale,  brownish  yellow  or  reddish-yellow  above, 
with  eight  to  ten  darker  transverse  bands  on  each  side  of 
the  body;  a  dark  brown  streak  on  each  side  of  the  head  passing 

98 


THE  REPTILE  BOOK 


PLATE  XXXI 


In  this  work  the  length  of  a  turtle's  shell  is  the  straight  length  from  end  to  end- 
no/  following  the  curve 


The  length  of  a  lizard's  head  is  from  the  tip  of  the  snout  to  the  rear  margin  of  the  ear  opening 


The  length  of  a  serpent's  head  is  from  the  tip  of  the  snout  to  immediately  b;;h,nd  t'.;e 
junction  of  the  jaw  bones 


METHODS  OF  MEASURING  REPTILES 


THE  REPTILE  BOOK 


PLATE  XXXII 


•     SCALATION  OF  THE  HEAD.     SNAKE  AND  LIZARD 

r.,   Rost.al;  i.   ».,   Internasal;   p.   /.,   Prefrontal;   /.,    Frontal;   5.   o.,  Supraocular;   p.,  Parietal; 
'/.  i  ,  Upper  Labials;  pr.  o.,  Preocular;  lor.,  Loreal;  p.  o.,  Postocular;  n.,  Nasal; 

"  /.,  Temporal;    /.  /.,  Lower  Labials;   /.  p.,  Pronto-Parietal 

(The  Head  of  the  serpent  is  that  of  the  Fox  Snake,  Coluber  vulpinus;  that  of  the  lizard  represents 
a  Skink,  Eumeces  nuinquelineatus) 


The  Geckos 

through  the  eye.    The  tail  is  ringed  with  a  darker  hue  than 
that  of  the  body.     Lower  surfaces  white. 

Dimensions. — Total  Length 4f  inches. 

Lengthof Tail 2ft     " 

Width  of  Head *      " 

Distribution. — Lower  California,  Mexico  and  Central  America. 

THE  CAPE  GECKO 

Phyllodactylus  unctus,  (Cope) 

The  scalation  of  the  body  is  uniformly  small.  As  with 
the  preceding  species,  the  toes  are  much  expanded  at  their  tips 
and  form  adhesive  climbing  organs — "suckers."  As  the  species 
is  confined  to  the  Cape  Region  of  Lower  California,  where  but 
one  other  gecko  is  found — the  preceding — and  that  is  distinctly 
different  in  scalation,  no  lengthy  description  of  the  present  rep- 
tile is  necessary. 

Colouration. — Gray  above,with  five  broad,  blackish  cross-bands 
on  the  body,  which  are  paler  in  their  centres;  tail  also  banded. 
A  dark  band  on  each  side  of  the  head,  passing  through  the  eye. 

Dimensions. — Similar  to  the  preceding  species. 

Distribution. — The  Cape  Region  of  Lower  California. 

The  Genus  Sphcerodactylus:  About  twenty  species  are 
known.  They  inhabit  southern  Mexico,  Central  America,  Colom- 
bia and  the  West  Indies.  One  occurs  in  southern  Florida. 

THE  REEF  GECKO 

Splaerodactylus  notatus,   (Baird) 

A  very  small  species,  but  with  much  coarser  scalation  than 
the  preceding  ones;  the  scales  are  keeled.  Tail  thick  and  short; 
limbs  small  and  with  expanded  toes. 

Colouration. — Brownish  yellow,  with  scattered,  circular 
spots  of  reddish-brown;  these  spots  fuse,  on  some  specimens, 
producing  dull  bands,  extending  lengthwise;  usually  a  central, 
dark  marking  on  the  head,  becoming  broader  in  the  rear. 

Dimensions. — Total  Length 2f  inches. 

Length  of  Tail if 

Greatest  Diameter    T6g- 

WidthofHead J 

Length  of  Head f 

Length  of  Hind  Limb i 

Length  of  Front  Limb •& 

99 


The  Geckos 

Distribution. — Key  West,  Florida;  the  Bahama  Islands; 
Cuba. 

The  family  Eublepbaridce:  The  members  of  this  family 
are  closely  allied  to  the  Geckonida,  differing  from  the  typical 
geckos  only  in  superficial  characters  of  the  skeleton.  There  are 
seven  species  of  the  Eublepbaridce,  these  comprising  three  genera. 
Most  curious  about  the  family  is  the  distribution  of  the  species. 
One  inhabits  the  Southwestern  United  States;  three  are  found 
in  Central  America,  two  in  Southern  Asia  and  the  remaining 
species  in  Africa.  Concerning  this  remarkable  scattering  of 
members  of  a  small  family,  Boulenger  remarks,  in  his  Catalogue 
of  the  Lizards  of  the  British  Museum:  "This  extraordinary 
distribution  seems  to  indicate  that  the  few  representatives  of 
this  small  family  are  the  remnants  of  some  ancient,  more  gener- 
ally dispersed  group;  it  nevertheless  remains  a  matter  of  won- 
der how  forms,  now  so  widely  separated,  have  retained  so  great 
a  resemblance,  not  only  in  structure,  but  also  in  the  pattern 
of  colouration." 

A  description  of  the  only  species  occurring  in  North  America 
proper,  is  given: 

THE  BANDED  GECKO 
Eublepbaris  variegatns,  (Baird) 

Small  in  size;  the  form  is  similar  to  the  other  small,  North 
American  geckos. 

Colouration. — This  very  pretty  creature  displays,  among 
different  individuals,  considerable  variation  of  pattern.  The 
arrangement  of  the  colours  may  be  divided  into  two  phases — 
banded  and  spotted.  With  the  former,  the  ground  colour  is  rich 
yellow,  crossed  by  broad  bands  of  chestnut  brown.  On  the  body, 
these  bands  terminate  on  the  sides;  they  completely  encircle 
the  tail  however,  which  is  thus  vividly  ringed  with  the  light 
and  dark  hues.  The  head  is  dark,  the  eyelids  margined  in 
yellow. 

The  spotted  form  is  brownish  yellow,  with  small  and  irreg- 
ularly scattered,  brown  blotches.  The  eye-lids  are  bordered 
with  yellow;  there  is  a  light  spot  on  the  snout  and  a  row  of  yel- 
lowish spots  on  the  upper  jaw. 

Dimensions. — Following  are  the  measurements  of  an  adult 
specimen  from  Eagle  Pass,  Texas: 

100 


The   Geckos 

Total  Length 3    inches. 

Length  of  Tail   i£      " 

Width  of  Body -A     " 

Width  of  Head T\     " 

Distribution. — Appears  to  be  restricted  to  Texas,  New 
Mexico,  Arizona  and  California.  It  is  rather  abundant. 

Habits. — Both  the  spotted  and  the  banded  forms  occur  in 
the  same  localities.  The  animal  is  rather  nocturnal  and  may 
be  found  issuing  from  among  loose  stones  or  from  cavities  in 
the  rocks  about  twilight.  Its  movements  are  fairly  active, 
but  seem  slow  when  compared  with  the  swifts  and  the  "race- 
runners"  or  other  lacertilians  with  long,  powerful  limbs.  The 
food  consists  of  small  insects,  carefully  stalked,  then  taken  by 
a  rush.  When  caught,  these  creatures  emit  a  faint,  squealing 
sound,  something  like  that  produced  by  certain  beetles  (the 
"longhorns")  when  held  in  the  fingers. 

A  number  of  specimens  from  Tucson,  Arizona,  were  very 
sluggish,  unless  disturbed,  when  they  appeared  quite  anxious 
to  bite  one's  fingers,  turning  the  head  upon  the  side  and  opening 
the  mouth  widely,  which  position  would  be  maintained  for  about 
ten  seconds. 

Several  letters  are  at  hand  warning  the  writer  of  the  very 
poisonous  nature  of  this  lizard.  It  seems  that  over  a  considerable 
portion  of  the  distribution,  the  species  is  thought  to  be  more 
dangerous  than  a  poisonous  serpent.  This  is  a  curious  fallacy, 
for  the  lizard  is  in  every  way  harmless.  Its  bright  colours  have 
possibly  excited  the  idea  of  venomous  properties. 


101 


CHAPTER   XII:   THE  AMERICAN   CHAMELEON 
GENUS  ANOLIS 

The  North  American  Representative  of  a  Large,  New  World  Genus 
of  Lizards  that  are  Remarkable  in  the  Habit  of  Frequently 
Changing  Their  Colours 

THE  American  "Chameleons"  are  members  of  the  family 
Jguanidce  and  represent  the  genus  Anolis,  to  the  number  of  over 
a  hundred  species.  They  are  in  no  way  related  to  the  true  chame- 
leons (Chamcdeontidce)  of  the  Old  World,  but  rival  those  lizards 
in  the  characteristic  of  frequently  and  completely  changing 
the  body  hues — an  involuntary  process,  mainly  influenced  by 
light  and  temperature. 

Anolis  is  a  New  World  genus,  distributed  throughout  Mexico, 
Central  America,  tropical  South  America  and  the  West  Indies. 
But  one  species  occurs  in  the  United  States.  With  it,  the  trait 
of  changing  the  body  hues  is  most  developed  of  any  of  the  North 
American  Iguanidce. 

THE  AMERICAN  CHAMELEON;  ALLIGATOR  LIZARD; 
FENCE  LIZARD;  "GREEN"  LIZARD 

Anolis  carolinensis,  (Cuvier) 

A  superficial  glance  at  this  lizard  shows  it  to  closely  resemble 
the  outlines  of  a  young  alligator — in  miniature.  The  head 
is  proportionately  large  and  very  distinct  from  the  neck,  but 
the  tail  is  long,  round  and  slender. 

From  all  other  North  American  lizards — except  the  geckos 
—this  species  may  be  immediately  told  by  the  formation  of 
four  of  the  toes  on  each  foot;  these  are  expanded,  flattened 
and  form  adhesive  pads;  they  enable  the  animal  to  traverse 
smooth,  vertical  surfaces  with  the  same  facility  as  the  geckos. 

The  body  is  covered  with  minute  scales,  above  and  beneath ; 
they  are  larger  on  the  head  and  tail.  On  the  top  of  the  head  is 
a  ridge-like  prominence  of  shape  similar  to  a  javelin  head  and 

102 


The  American  Chameleon 

pointing  toward  the  snout.  The  skin  of  the  body  is  rather  loose 
and  hangs  in  a  fold  at  the  throat ;  with  male  specimens,  this 
fold  is  dilatable  into  a  "fan,"  and  when  fully  expanded  shows 
a  bright  red  skin  between  the  scales  separated  by  the  distension. 

In  proportion  to  the  reptile's  size,  the  limbs  are  long,  par- 
ticularly the  hind  pair.  They  are  more  developed  for  jumping 
and  climbing  than  for  running  over  the  ground.  Compared 
with  the  diameter  of  the  orbit,  the  eyes  are  very  small;  this 
condition  is  caused  by  the  surrounding  skin  or  eye-lids,  giving 
the  eyes  an  independent,  rolling  movement  and,  consequently, 
great  scope  of  vision. 

Owing  to  the  varying  hues,  no  definite  colour  or  pattern 
can  be  applied  to  the  species.  The  colour  varies  according  to 
the  mood  of  the  individual  from  different  shades  of  brown  into 
emerald  green;  during  the  darker  phases,  there  is  usually  a  pale, 
clouded  band  on  the  back.  The  colour  changes  are  described 
under  Habits. 

Dimensions. — The  measurements  of  an  adult  male  specimen 
are  given;  the  female  is  smaller,  with  a  narrower  and  more 
pointed  head. 

Total  Length 7J  inches. 

Length  of  Tail   4! 

Length  of  Head f  " 

Width  of  Head  .                                             .  TV  " 


Length  of  Hind  Limb if 

Distribution. — Principally,  the  coastal  region  of  the  south- 
eastern United  States — in  the  northern  portion  of  the  range — 
from  the  Neuse  River,  in  North  Carolina,  southward  throughout 
Florida  and  westward  to  the  Rio  Grande,  in  Texas.  Abundant 
in  Mexico.  Also  found  in  Cuba,  where  it  grows  to  a  considerably 
larger  size  than  in  the  United  States. 

Habits. — The  American  Chameleon  acquires  its  name  from 
the  trait  of  changing  colour  to  a  remarkable  degree.  In  this 
respect  it  rivals  the  true  chameleons,  of  Africa.  The  most  com- 
mon hues  of  the  A  noli  s  are  brown  and  green.  It  curiously  dis- 
plays the  latter  brilliant  hue  quite  persistently  in  connection 
with  conditions  that  widely  differ.  When  sleeping,  it  is  invariably 
pale  green,  the  abdomen  immaculate  white.  When  pug- 
naciously fighting  with  its  fellows,  the  same  bright  hue  appears. 
If  badly  frightened,  the  green  soon  suffuses  the  entire  body. 

103 


The  American    Chameleon 

At  other  times,  the  lizard  may  be  of  a  dark,  rich  brown.    This 
is  often  the  hue  assumed  in  the  brighest  hours  of  sunlight. 

In  collecting  these  lizards  and  placing  them  in  wire-covered 
boxes  the  writer  has  always  noted  their  change  from  various 
hues,  prior  to  capture,  to  a  scrambling  collection  of  several 
dozen  emerald  green  lizards.  If  the  gauze  cage  be  laid  down 
for  half  an  hour  or  so  while  the  collector  rests  the  lizards  soon 
take  on  a  brownish  tinge,  but  as  soon  as  the  box  is  again  carried 
about,  and  the  occupants  are  shaken  up  and  frightened,  the 
brilliant  colour  appears  among  them  all.  During  the  early 
morning  or  as  the  afternoon  wears  away,  the  prevailing  tints 
are  slaty  or  yellowish. 

The  change  of  colour  is  rapid.  A  dark  brown  example 
will  fade  to  a  pale  leaf-green  within  three  minutes  time.  Dur- 
ing the  colour  changes  the  varying  hues  are  striking;  the  brown 
gives  way  to  a  beautiful,  golden  yellow;  this,  in  turn  may  fade 
to  slaty  gray  and  a  general  peppering  of  white  dots  appear  over 
the  back. 

In  describing  these  colour  changes  it  is  appropriate  to  cor- 
rect a  widespread  and  incorrect  idea;  this  is  to  the  effect  that 
the  change  of  colour  is  influenced  by  the  shade  of  the  object  on 
which  the  reptile  rests.  There  is  no  relationship  or  influence  be- 
tween the  lizard's  colours,  and  its  surroundings.  A  brilliant  green 
individual  may  often  be  seen  resting  upon  a  weather-stained 
fence  rail,  or  a  dark  brown  specimen  hopping  from  one  green 
leaf  to  another.  The  writer  remembers  an  enterprising  dealer 
who  exhibited  a  number  of  these  reptiles  in  a  glass-fronted  cage; 
the  back  of  the  cage  was  divided  into  four  squares  of  vivid  colour 
— yellow,  red,  green  and  blue.  Continually  annoyed  by  curious 
observers  the  lizards  showed  the  brightest  shades  of  green,  but 
inconsistent  with  the  dealer's  idea,  for  they  huddled  together  on 
the  square  of  vermilion  which  was  situated  in  the  most  secluded 
corner  of  the  case. 

The  change  of  colour  is  brought  about  principally  through 
temperature  and  light  and  their  influences  on  the  creature's 
activity;  also  by  anger,  fear  and  sleep.  The  most  repeatedly 
observed  colour  is  the  green  of  the  sleeping  reptile.  When 
poorly  fed  and  in  an  enervated  condition  the  skin  shows  dark 
spots  and  blotches.  At  death,  the  body  is  usually  green,  with 
scattered  patches  of  black. 

104 


The  American  Chameleon 

The  males  are  provided  with  a  peculiar  throat  pouch.  This 
may  be  expanded  at  will,  to  the  accompaniment  of  an  emphatic 
nodding  of  the  head.  At  best  but  an  ornament  and  perfectly 
flat  when  extended,  it  is  exhibited  during  times  of  love-making 
or  previous  to  combats — and  vicious  indeed  are  the  fights  between 
rival  males  for  an  exceptionally  desirable  stretch  of  fence-rail; 
the  fight  is  called  off  with  the  loss  of  a  tail  on  one  side  or  the 
other;  with  his  writhing  souvenir,  the  victor  struts  about  for 
some  time,  repeatedly  nodding  his  head  and  dilating  the  throat 
fan  while  his  body  glows  in  a  resplendent  tint  of  emerald. 

Strictly  diurnal,  the  "Chameleon"  appears  with  the  rising 
of  the  sun,  from  where  it  has  been  sleeping;  the  resting  place 
is  generally  a  horizontal  twig,  well  hidden  among  the  leaves. 
The  morning  prowl  is  prompted  by  a  hungry  stomach.  A  large 
and  tempting  fly  is  stalked  in  the  same  fashion  as  a  cat  does  a 
bird.  Slinking  forward,  with  body  close  to  the  bough,  the  lizard 
nears  the  victim,  then  quivers  for  the  rush;  there  is  a  dash,  with 
open  jaws,  and  the  prey  is  caught.  Before  the  fly  is  swallowed 
the  sharp  little  teeth  are  employed  to  masticate  it.  The  Anolis 
confines  its  food  entirely  to  insects.  It  will  not  eat  earthworms, 
nor  will  the  majority  of  small  lizards. 

In  captivity  the  "Chameleon"  makes  a  pretty  and  amusing 
pet,  soon  learning  to  take  food  from  one's  fingers.  Mealworms 
and  flies  are  the  favorite  food;  it  will  also  take  roaches.  The 
sugar  and  water  diet  so  often  imposed  upon  these  reptiles  by 
kindly-intentioned  but  misinformed  people,  is  only  taken  by 
the  lizard  to  quench  a  killing  thirst,  for  these  little  animals  drink 
much  and  if  deprived  of  water  will  rapidly  weaken  and  die. 
Their  method  of  drinking  is  to  lap  the  drops  of  dew  from  vege- 
tation. The  quarters  of  captive  lizards  should  be  sprinkled 
daily  that  the  reptiles  may  drink  in  this  manner;  they  do  not 
readily  find  a  dish  of  water. 

While  it  is  agile  and  favoured  by  the  adhesive  foot  pads  that 
enable  it  to  run  over  smooth  surfaces,  at  various  angles,  this 
lizard  is  not  nearly  so  difficult  to  capture,  if  a  little  strategy  is 
employed,  as  the  swifts  (Scelopoms)  or  the  race-runners  (Cnemi- 
dophoms).  Compared  with  those  lacertilians,  its  gait  is  very 
tardy. 


105 


CHAPTER   XIII:   THE   IGUANAS 

Large  Species  Thai  May  be  Recognised  by  Their  Fine  Scalation  and 

Spine-like  Crest 

THE  true  Iguanas  are  represented  in  North  America  by 
two  species  that  barely  come  within  the  limits  of  this  work. 
One  inhabits  Lower  California;  the  other  extends  northward 
from  Mexico  into  southern  Arizona. 

Distribution  of  the  Iguanas. — The  large  and  powerful  lizards, 
comprising  several  genera  and  known  collectively  as  Iguanas, 
occur  in  tropical  South  America,  Central  America,  Mexico  and 
the  West  Indies. 

Cyclura  and  Metopoceros  are  restricted  to  the  West  Indies; 
Conolophus  and  Amblyrhynchus  occur  in  the  Galapagos  Islands; 
the  species  of  Ctenosaura  inhabit  Central  America,  Mexico  and 
the  extreme  southwestern  portion  of  the  United  States.  The 
genus  Iguana  has  the  most  extensive  distribution,  ranging  from 
Mexico  into  Brazil. 

General  Structure. — Most  of  the  species  are  of  very  large 
size — some  growing  to  a  length  of  six  feet.  The  body  is  heavily 
built,  the  head  is  large  and  blunt,  with  powerful  jaws,  and  the 
tail  is  long.  Most  characteristic  is  the  scalation  of  the  body. 
The  scales  are  minute,  but  upon  the  back  is  a  crest  of  large,  flat 
spines. 

The  Spiny-tailed  Iguanas — Genus  Ctenosaura:  Two  species 
of  this  genus  are  the  only  Iguanas  occurring  in  North  America 
proper.  The  genus  may  be  popularly  defined  by  the  structure 
of  the  tail.  The  appendage  is  covered  with  rings  or  whorls  of 
large,  spiny  scales.  As  may  be  appreciated,  such  a  scalation  is 
really  formidable  and  the  tail  is  employed  as  an  offensive  weapon, 
in  dealing  quick,  lashing  blows.  The  feet  are  provided  with 
long  toes  and  strong  claws  and  these  lizards  are  very  agile  climbers, 
in  fact,  partially  arboreal  in  habits. 

Ctenosaura  is  composed  of  six  species. 

106 


The  Iguanas 

Key  to  the  North  American  Iguanas 

I.  A  row  of  upright  spines  on  the  back;  tail  with  rings  of 
large  spines.  Genus  Ctenosaura. 

Si^e  large — three  to  four  feet. 

a.  Crest  extending  a  little  more  than   two-thirds  the 
length  of  the  back. 

Brown,  with  blackish  cross-bands.  ^£ 

CAPE  IGUANA,  Ctenosaurd  hemilopha. 

Distribution. — Lower  California. 

b.  Crest  extending  to  the  rump. 
Black,  above  and  beneath. 

BLACK  IGUANA,  Ctenosaura  multispinis. 

Distribution. — Southern     Arizona    to    Mexico    and 
Central  America. 

II.  A  row  of  flat,  enlarged  scales  on  back;  tail  with  rings  of 
small  scales.  Genus  Dipsosaurus. 

Si%e  small — about  twelve  inches. 

Pale  brown,  a  net-work  of  darker  brown. 

DESERT  IGUANA,  Dipsosaurus  dorsalis. 

Distribution. — Deserts  of  the  southwestern  United 
States;  Mexico. 

The  Cape  Iguana,  Ctenosaura  hemilopha,  Cope.  As  this 
large  species  is  confined  to  the  Cape  Region  of  Lower  California, 
where  it  is  the  only  reptile  of  its  kind,  it  cannot  be  confused 
with  other  lizards.  The  spiny  crest  on  the  back  extends  but 
a  little  more  than  two-thirds  the  length  of  the  body  on  male 
specimens,  barely  two-thirds  on  the  female.  The  tail  is  covered 
with  alternate  rings  of  very  large  spiny  scales,  and  small, 
smooth  scales;  on  the  top  of  the  tail  the  spines  are  upright, 
forming  a  crest,  though  they  are  less  developed  than  the  spines 
on  the  side. 

Colouration. — Olive  gray,  or  greenish  above,  with  blackish 
crossbands  on  the  forward  portion  of  the  body. 

Dimensions. — Total  length,  4  feet;  length  of  tail,  32  inches; 
greatest  width  of  head,  3  inches. 

Distribution. — The  Cape  Region — Lower  California. 

The  Black  Iguana,  Ctenosaura  multispinis,  Cope.  General 
structure  similar  to  the  Cape  Iguana,  but  the  spiny  crest  extends 
farther  back — to  the  rump. 

Colouration. — Usually  uniform  black,  above  and  beneath. 
Four  specimens  received  by  the  writer  were  of  an  intense,  jet- 

107 


The  Iguanas 

black;  the  crest  of  spines  and  the  ringed,  thorny  tail,  as  polished 
as  ivory. 

Occasional  specimens  are  blotched  with  brown.  Young 
individuals  are  often  bright  green. 

Dimensions. — Like   the  preceding.     (See   measurements.) 

Distribution. — Extreme  southern  Arizona,  to  Central  Amer- 
ica. 

Habits. — If  cornered,  a  large,  Spiny-tailed  Iguana  is  a  really 
dangerous  creature.  The  brute's  offensive  powers  are  quite  in 
keeping  with  its  looks.  Sombre  in  colouration,  powerful  of 
body,  the  head  thick-set  with  swollen  jowls,  the  eyes  dark  and 
keen  with  blood-red  corners  and,  to  add  to  the  general  fighting 
aspect,  the  formidable  tail;  this  appendage  bristles  with  coarse 
spines. 

If  the  creature  has  a  chance  to  escape,  it  always  flees  from 
man.  It  may  be  surprised  while  basking  in  the  open,  when 
it  rushes  for  cover;  most  frequently  it  is  seen  stretched  upon 
a  fallen  tree,  or  on  a  low  branch,  and  then  the  escape  is  precip- 
itous— utterly  without  dignity;  the  reptile  actually  hurls  itself 
to  the  ground  and  tears  through  the  undergrowth  with  a  crash- 
ing that  might  be  produced  by  a  frightened  cow. 

If  the  lizard  is  cornered,  it  flashes  into  a  state  of  viciousness 
that  might  stand  off  a  well-trained  dog.  The  tail  is  lashed 
from  side  to  side  and  the  powerful  jaws  are  open  and  ready  to 
seize  the  enemy  in  a  bulldog  grip. 

As  captives,  these  lizards  require  a  great  amount  of  sunshine 
and  very  large  cages.  They  are  omnivorous  feeders  and  are  fond 
of  tender  vegetables,  such  as  lettuce  and  celery  tops;  they  will 
also  eat  various  fruits,  but  among  these  prefer  bananas.  Most 
specimens  feed  voraciously  upon  young  birds  and  small  rodents, 
and  are  surprisingly  agile  in  catching  the  prey.  It  is  shaken 
to  death,  then  quickly  swallowed  entire.  In  a  wild  state,  the 
Iguanas  are  undoubtedly  carnivorous  to  a  great  extent. 

In  Mexico,  Central  America  and  South  America,  Iguanas 
are  brought  to  the  market  in  large  numbers.  They  are  regarded 
as  an  excellent  food  and  alleged  to  taste  like  chicken. 

The  Genus  Dipsosaurus:  One  species — probably  a  de- 
generate iguana — forms  this  genus.  It  is  a  desert  reptile,  oc- 
curring in  the  southwestern  portion  of  the  United  States  and 
in  Mexico.  In  structural  characters  it  seems  to  be  closely  allied 

108 


The  Iguanas 

to  the  large,  arboreal  iguanas  of  Mexico  and  Central  America. 
The  general  aspect  and  size  appeal  somewhat  to  the  lizards  of 
a  succeeding  genus — Crotapbytus. 

THE  DESERT  IGUANA;    KEEL-BACKED  LIZARD 

Dipsosaums  dorsalis,  (Baird  &  Girard) 

The  body  is  stout  and  rounded,  with  very  long,  gradually 
tapering  tail.  In  proportion  to  the  size  of  the  body  the  head 
is  very  small;  it  is  thick-set  and  rounded. 

On  the  centre  of  the  back,  from  immediately  behind  the 
head  and  extending  down  the  greater  length  of  the  tail,  is  a  single 
row  of  enlarged  scales;  these  are  distinctly  keeled.  This  char- 
acteristic scalation  shows  a  close  relationship  to  the  typical 
iguanas.  The  general  scalation  of  the  body  is  fine  and  granular; 
the  scales  on  the  tail  are  larger  than  on  the  body,  are  keeled 
and  arranged  in  ring-like  series. 

Colouration. — Pale  brown  above,  with  wavy,  parallel  dark 
brown  or  black  lines — running  lengthwise;  these  lines  tend  to 
form  a  net-work  or  reticulate  pattern,  enclosing  yellowish  spots. 
The  tail  is  generally  yellowish,  with  dark,  ring-like  markings 
above.  Pale  and  immaculate  beneath. 

Dimensions. — An  adult  specimen  from  southern  Arizona, 
was  measured  as  follows: 

Total  Length 1 1£  inches. 

Length  of  Jail 7^ 

Greatest  Diameter if 

Width  of  Head* f 

Length  of  Head — ear  to  snout 

Length  of  Hind  Limb 2\ 

Length  of  Front  Limb if 

Distribution. — Desert  regions  of  the  southwestern  United 
States  and  northern  Mexico.  The  species  occurs  in  Lower  Cali- 
fornia, the  desert  regions  of  southern  California  and  in  the  Colo- 
rado and  Mojave  Deserts  of  Arizona;  it  is  also  found  in  the 
Amargosa  Desert,  Nevada. 

Habits. — Like  the  other  thick-bodied  desert  lizards,  this 
species  is  largely  herbivorous.  It  feeds  upon  buds,  small  flowers 
and  tender  leaves.  Captive  specimens  will  greedily  eat  the 

*  Note  the  proportionately  small  head. 

109 


The  Iguanas 

blossoms  of  red  clover,  swallowing  each  flower  practically  en- 
tire, after  but  superficial  attempts  at  mastication. 

The  tail  of  this  lizard  is  very  brittle  and  if  the  creature 
is  picked  up  by  that  member,  parts  with  it  readily  by  a  quick 
twist  of  the  body. 


no 


THE  REPTILE  BOOK 


PLATE  XXXIII 


REEF  GECKO,  Sphaerodactylus  notatus 
The  only  true  gecko  found  in  the  United  States.     Occurs  near  Key  West,  Florida 


BANDED  GECKO,  Eublepharis  variegatus 
Represents  the  family  Eublepharidae,  which  differs  from  the  Geckonidae  in  the  structure  of  the  skull  and  in  having  functional  eye-lids 


AMERICAN  CHAMELEON,  Anolis  carolinensis 
Male  with  the  throat  fan  extended 


THE  REPTILE  BOOK 


PLATE  XXXIV 


IGUANA,  Cyclura  carinata 
A  West  Indian  species,  closely  allied  to  the  Iguanas  that  inhabit  the  extreme  southwestern  portion  of  the  United  States 


DESERT  IGUANA,  Dipsosaurus  dorsalis 
Traces  of  a  dorsal  crest  show  the  relationship  of  this  lizard  to  the  larger  Iguanas  of  the  tropics.     It  is  mostly  herbivorous 


CHAPTER   XIV:    THE   GENERA   SAUROMALUS 
AND   CROTAPHYTUS 

Fine-scaled  Representatives  of  the  Iguanida 

The  Chuckawallas— Genus  Sauromalus:  Of  the  two  species, 
one  is  little  known;  the  other  is  a  desert  reptile  and  fairly  com- 
mon in  the  southwestern  portion  of  the  United  States. 

The  Chuckawallas  are  very  stout,  with  a  fine,  granular 
scalation,  both  above  and  beneath,  and  on  the  top  of  the  head; 
the  scales  on  the  neck  are  spiny.  One  of  these  lizards  attains 
a  considerable  size — two  feet  or  more;  the  tail  is  short  and  blunt. 
Fully  adult  specimens  are  of  a  dull,  uniform  brown. 

Definition  of  the  Species. 

Scales  of  the  upper  surface  of  neck  much  enlarged  and 
spiny.  Scales  of  the  back  terminating  in  a  sharp  point. 
Attains  a  maximum  length  of  about  two  feet. 

ISLAND  CHUCKAWALLA,  Sauromalus  hispidus,  (Stej.) 

Distribution. — Has   been   found   on   Angel    Island, 

Gulf  of  California. 

Scales  of  the  upper  surface  of  neck,  small  and  granular. 
Scales  of  the  back  rounded. 
Attains  a  length  of  about  fourteen  inches. 
COMMON  CHUCKAWALLA,  Sauromalus  ater,  (Dumeril). 

Distribution. — Deserts  of  the  Southwest. 
Following  is  a  detailed  description  of  the  common  species: 

THE  CHUCKAWALLA 

Sauromalus  ater,  (Dumeril) 

The  largest  lizard  of  the  southwestern  desert  region,  with 
the  exception  of  the  Gila  Monster  (Helodermd).  Body  very 
broad;  head  proportionately  large.  Both  pairs  of  limbs  are 
stubby;  the  tail  is  thick,  flattened  (horizontally)  and  but  slightly 
longer  than  the  body. 

Colouration. — Mature    individuals    are    practically    uniform 

in 


Sa.uroma.lus  and  Croia,phyius 

in  colour,  being  dull  brown,  olive  or  black  above;  abdomen 
rusty  red,  dotted  with  black. 

The  young  are  usually  olive,  marbled  or  spotted  with  black 
on  the  back;  some  are  banded  with  reddish,  this  intermixed 
with  yellow  dots.  The  pattern  is  more  pronounced  on  the  tail. 

Dimensions. — The  measurements  given  are  from  a  specimen 
taken  a  few  miles  south  of  Phoenix,  Arizona : 

Total  Length 12     inches. 

Length  of  Tail 5 

Width  of  Body 3 

Width  of  Tail,  at  base \\      " 

Width  of  Head if 

Distribution. — Desert  regions  of  the  southwestern  United 
States — southern  Nevada  and  Utah,  Arizona,  eastern  California, 
Lower  California,  and  northern  Sonora,  Mexico. 

Habits. — Little  is  known  about  the  habits  of  the  Chuck- 
awalla  or  "Chuck-walla."  It  inhabits  rocky  places  in  the  deserts. 

The  single  living  specimen  in  the  writer's  collection  lived 
but  a  few  months.  When  sleeping  it  was  dark  brown,  but  as 
the  sun  shone  upon  the  sand  of  its  cage  and  it  became  more 
active  the  body  hue  grew  much  lighter — almost  yellow.  This 
lizard  had  a  very  poor  appetite.  It  occasionally  nibbled  at 
tender  leaves  of  lettuce  and  celery.  Dissection  of  the  stomachs 
of  preserved  specimens  shows  the  Chuckawalla  to  be  quite  her- 
bivorous. 

The  Genus  Crotaphytus:  The  three  species  are  confined 
to  the  southern  United  States  and  northern  Mexico;  they  are 
of  moderate  size. 

Body  stout,  head  large;  tail  very  long,  cylindrical  and  slen- 
der. Above  and  beneath,  the  scales  are  fine  and  granular.  Top 
of  the  head  covered  with  small,  granular  scales — larger  than 
those  of  the  body;  scalation  of  the  tail  in  narrow  rings?  Ear 
drum  large;  a  fold  of  skin  on  the  throat. 

Key  to  the  Species 

I.  Head  very  large;  body  short  and  stout. 

Pale,   with  numerous  white  or  yellow  dots;   a   double 
black  collar  on  neck. 

COLLARED  LIZARD,  Crotaphytus  collaris. 
112 


i 


THE  REPTILE  BOOK 


PLATE  XXXVI 


SAND   LIZARD,  Uma  notata 
A  desert  species  that  differs  in  its  peculiar  pattern  from  other  American  lizards 


ZEBRA-TAILED   LIZARD,  Callisaurus  draconoides 

When  running,  this  desert  species  carries  the  tail  curled  over 

the  back 


SPOTTED  LIZARD,  Holbrookia  macttlata 

A  species  of  the  sub-arid  regions  of  the  Central  and  Western  State 

It  is  a  very  swift  runner,  and  feeds  on  small  insects 


Sa.uroma.lus  and  Crotaphytus 

Pale,    with    a    yellow    or    white    net-work    (reticulate 

pattern)    on    body.     Faint   indications   of   a   double 

black  collar  on  neck.    ...    No  white  dots  on  body. 

RETICULATED  LIZARD,  Crotaphytus  reticulatus. 

II.     Head  of  moderate  size;  body  more  elongated. 

Yellowish,  with  large,  rounded,  dark   blotches;  spaces 

spaces  between  the  blotches  dotted  with  red  or  yellow. 

LEOPARD  LIZARD,  Crotaphytus  wisli^enii. 

Detailed  descriptions: 

THE  COLLARED  LIZARD 

Crotaphytus  collaris,  (Tay) 

Body  short  and  stout;  head  very  large  and  distinct  from 
the  neck.  Hind  limbs  long  and  powerful;  much  longer  than 
the  front  pair  and  of  a  development  to  assist  the  animal  in  jumping. 

Colouration. — While  the  colours  are  variable,  the  double 
black  collar  is  a  strong  distinguishing  feature. 

The  body  colour  may  be  yellowish,  pale  gray  or  bright  green. 
Scattered  over  the  back  and  the  sides  are  numerous  white  or 
yellow  dots;  at  the  edge  of  the  abdomen,  these  are  often  of  a 
brick  red.  Behind  the  head  are  two,  wide,  jet-black  bands, 
separated  by  a  white  or  yellowish  space — thus  forming  a  double 
collar.  The  abdomen  is  greenish;  the  throat  deep  orange. 

With  most  female  examples,  the  black  collar  is  less  pro- 
nounced than  on  the  male;  on  some  it  is  merely  represented 
by  narrow  strips  of  black.  Most  of  the  females  are  gray,  or 
clay  colour.  During  the  breeding  season  they  are  spotted  with 
bright,  brick  red;  at  such  times  the  males  assume  vivid  tints 
of  green  or  yellow. 

Dimensions. — Following  are  the  measurements  of  an  adult 
male: 

Total  Length    12  inches. 

LengthofTail   8J 

Width  of  Body i* 

"      "  Head     ii 

Length  of  Front  Limb if 

'  Hind      " 3^ 

Distribution. — Generally  distributed  and  abundant  through- 
out the  Western  states  from  Arkansas  and  Missouri  to  eastern 
California.  Southern  Idaho  seems  to  be  the  most  northern 
portion  of  the  range;  southward,  the  species  extends  intoSonora 


Sa.urom.Alus  and  Crotaphytus 

and  Chihuahua,  Mexico.       It  is  most  abundant  in  dry,  rocky 
districts;  it  teems  on  the  sub-arid  plains  of  western  Texas. 

Habits. — Pugnacious,  greedy  and  very  active,  this  hand- 
some lizard  is  in  many  ways  interesting.  It  is  cannibalistic 
and  will  greedily  devour  fair-sized  specimens  of  the  spiny,  horned 
lizards  (Phrynosoma),  though  the  diet  is  often  varied  with  blos- 
soms and  tender  leaves.  When  alarmed  it  dashes  away  on  its 
hind  legs,  in  kangaroo  fashion. 

As  a  captive,  the  Collared  Lizard  is  bright  and  hardy.  It 
delights  in  a  bed  of  dry  sand,  heated  by  an  all-day  flood  of  sun- 
shine. Among  examples  of  their  kind,  these  lizards  are  peace- 
ful enough,  but  no  smaller  lizards  are  safe  in  a  cage  with  them. 
They  will  greedily  consume  swifts,  horned  "toads"  and  even 
young  snakes.  Their  method  of  eating  at  once  suggests  that  of 
the  frogs,  as  the  mouth  is  capacious,  and  the  food  is  tucked  into 
it  with  the  front  feet,  in  frog-like  fashion.  It  is  surprising  to 
note  the  size  of  a  lizard  that  one  of  these  reptiles  will  swallow; 
it  will  engulf  a  swift  that  is  longer  than  its  head  and  body.  One 
of  the  writer's  specimens  was  found  choked  to  death  after  it 
had  tried  to  swallow  a  spiny  swift  (Sceloporus)  that  was  nearly 
as  big  around  as  itself.  The  voracious  animal  had  stuffed  the 
head  and  shoulders  of  the  prey  into  its  mouth  and  down  the 
throat,  but  there  it  became  immovable,  too  large  to  go  farther 
and  too  spiny  to  be  ejected. 

Aside  from  the  cannibalistic  habits,  the  Collared  Lizard  is 
fond  of  small  flowers.  It  will  devour  the  blossoms  of  red  clover 
and  the  dandelion.  Insects  form  a  portion  of  the  diet  and  cap- 
tive lizards  will  eat  grasshoppers,  crickets  and  mealworms. 

If  an  avenue  of  escape  be  open,  these  lizards  will  invariably 
dart  away  when  startled.  The  method  of  locomotion  is  curious. 
For  several  feet  the  reptile  skims  over  the  ground  in  normal 
fashion,  but  as  it  attains  full  speed  the  tail  is  sharply  raided  and 
the  body  rears  upward  in  kangaroo  fashion;  thence  the  creature 
rushes  off  on  its  powerful  hind  limbs.  In  this  position  it  may 
run  for  a  hundred  feet  or  more.  If  it  encounters  a  hole  or  small 
gully,  the  body  is  pressed  against  the  ground,  the  hind  limbs 
fold  like  those  of  a  frog  and  a  long  jump  follows.  When  cornered, 
the  lizard  turns  quickly,  opens  the  mouth  widely  and  discloses 
a  cavernous,  black  throat.  The  jaws  are  strong  enough  to  pro- 
duce a  fair  blood  blister  upon  one's  finger. 

114 


THE  REPTILE  BOOK 


PLATE  XXXVII 


Copyright,  1907.  by  Doubleday,  Page  &  Company 
LEOPARD  LIZARD,  Crotaphytus  ivislizenii. 

Similar  in  habits  to  the  Collared  Lizard.     It  is  both  herbivorous  and  cannibalistic,  preying  largely  upon  the  ground  swilts 
and  horned  "toads."     Note  protective  colouration. 


Copyright,  1907,  by  DoublecUy,  Page  &  Company 
COLLARED  LIZARD,  Crotaphytus  collaris. 

t '  A  wonderfully  active  species  of  the  sub-arid  regions  and  the  deserts  proper.     It  often  rears  the  body  upward, 

running  swiftly  on  the  hind  legs. 


.'nstr<i.'iati*  are  transfosta.     The    nffer  o 
Collared   l.izarti—the  Iwtr  one   is    the    Leofar, 


Sa.uroma.lus  and  Crotaphytus 

The  writer's  specimens  dug  hollows  in  the  sand,  under  flat, 
shelving  stones.  They  retreated  to  these  hiding  places  shortly 
before  sunset  and  always  remained  in  them  on  cloudy  days. 
One  of  the  largest  females — u  inches  long — deposited  21  eggs, 
during  the  early  part  of  August.  The  eggs  were  T77  of  an  inch 
in  diameter  and  f  of  an  inch  long;  their  covering  was  as  thin 
and  soft  as  paper. 

THE   RETICULATED   LIZARD 

Crotaphytus  reticulatus,  (Baird) 

Form  very  similar  to  that  of  the  Collared  Lizard;  head 
large  and  very  distinct  from  the  neck. 

Colouration. — Yellowish  brown  or  grayish;  head,  body, 
limbs  and  tail  covered  with  a  net-work  of  pale  gray  or  yellow; 
there  may  be  traces  of  the  double  collar,  but  this  is  usually 
absent. 

Dimensions. — Like  the  preceding. 

Distribution. — Texas. 

THE   LEOPARD    LIZARD 

Crotaphytus  wisli^enii,  (B.  &  G.) 

Head  much  narrower  than  that  of  the  preceding  lizards. 
Body  more  elongated;  tail  very  long  and  slender. 

Colouration. — Yellowish  brown,  with  large,  rounded,  black 
or  brown  blotches  on  the  body  and  limbs.  Between  these  blotches 
are  numerous  brick-red  dots;  the  blotches  may  be  outlined 
with  borders  of  dots.  There  are  usually  pale,  narrow  lines 
crossing  the  back;  the  tail  is  coarsely  reticulated  with  light  and 
dark  hues.  Throat  barred  with  black. 

Dimensions. — Total  Length 12      inches. 

Length  of  Tail 8$       " 

Width  of  Body f      " 

Width  of  Head ft      " 

Length  of  Head ft      " 

Distribution. — The  Great  Basin.  Occurs  from  eastern 
Oregon  to  northern  Mexico.  Most  abundant  in  the  desert  re- 
gions of  eastern  California,  Nevada  and  Arizona.  Does  not 
range  as  far  east  as  the  Collared  Lizard;  the  distribution  in 
the  East  does  not  appear  to  extend  beyond  New  Mexico  and 
extreme  southwestern  Texas. 


CHAPTER  XV  :   THE  SPOTTED  LIZARDS ;  ZEBRA- 
TAILED  LIZARDS 

Small  and    Strictly  Terrestrial  Species  of  the  Genera   CALL1* 
SAVRUS,  VMA  and  HOLBROOKIA 

THIS  chapter  embraces  a  number  of  small,  ground  lizards 
that  live  in  dry  and  open  places — the  plains,  sub-arid  regions 
and  the  deserts.  To  match  the  pale  sterile  soil,  their  colours 
are  light;  the  pattern  of  none  is  rich  in  hues,  though  some 
have  the  under  side  of  the  tail  alternately  barred  with  black  and 
white  and  such  species  when  running,  carry  the  tail  curled  over 
the  back,  hence  the  popular  title — the  Zebra-tailed  Lizards. 

In  the  colouration,  Callisaurus  is  precisely  like  Holbrookia — 
yellowish  or  grayish  above,  with  two  rows  of  darker,  angular 
blotches  on  the  back,  but  these  genera  are  separated  by  Uma, 
-according  to  the  structure. 

Outline  of  ihe  Genera 

General  Characters. — Body  rather  stout;  tail  of  moderate 
length,  scalation  of  the  body  and  tail,  above,  fine  and  granular; 
abdomen  covered  with  larger,  rounded  scales.  Top  of  the  head 
with  numerous  rounded  scales — not  plates.  Gray,  yellowish 
or  green,  with  two  rows  of  angular  blotches.  Usually  one  or 
two  ink-black  spots  on  each  side  of  the  abdomen.  Tail  uniform 
white  beneath,  or  barred  with  black. 

I.  Ear  Drum  Exposed. 

Toes  long,  without  spiny  fringes.        Genus  Callisaurus. 

Distribution. — Deserts  of  the  Southwest. 
Toes  long,  with  spiny  fringes.  GentJs  Uma. 

Distribution. — Deserts   of  the   Southwest. 

II.  Ear  Drum  Concealed  Under  The  Skin. 
Toes  long,  without  spiny  fringes. 

Distribution. — Central  and  Western  States. 

Genus  Holbrookia. 

The  Genus  Callisaurus:  A  single  species  is  recognised. 
It  is  confined  to  the  arid  regions  of  the  southwestern  United 
States  and  northern  Mexico. 

116 


THE  REPTHE  BOOK 


PLATE  XXXVIII 


Holbrookia  propinqua  and  Callisawus  draconoides.     From  above  and  beneath  these  small  lizards  appear  very  similar.     The  species  of 
Holbrookia,  however,  may  be  immediately  recognised  by  the  absence  of  an  ear-opening 


Collared  Lizard,  Crotaphytus  collaris— female.  Note  the 
narrow  collar,  as  compared  with  the  markings  of  a  male 
specimen,  on  another  plate 


Desert  Iguana,  Dipsosaurus  dorsalis.     The  row  of  enlarged  s.r.les  on 
the  back  represents  the  crest  of  the  tropical  iguanas 


STRUCTURAL  CHARACTERS  OF  NORTH  AMERICAN  LIZARDS,  Iguanidae 


The  Spotted  Lizards;  Zebra-tailed  Lizards 

THE  ZEBRA-TAILED  LIZARD 

Callisaurus  draconoides,  (Blainville) 

Head  small  and  flattened.  Limbs  very  long;  the  hind 
leg  applied  forward  reaches  to  or  beyond  the  snout ;  tail  flattened. 

Colouration. — Grayish,  dotted  with  white;  two  rows  of 
angular,  or  V-shaped  blotches  on  the  back,  fusing  into  angular 
bands  on  the  tail. 

Abdomen  white,  with  a  bluish  patch  on  each  side;  each 
blue  area  contains  two,  sometimes  three,  ink-black  bands.  Lower 
surfaces  of  the  tail  of  male  specimens  white,  with  black  bars; 
the  female  lacks  these  bold  markings,  or  they  are  but  little  evident. 

The  colouration  is  much  like  that  of  the  Texas  Zebra-tailed 
Lizard,  Holbrookia  texana,  but  the  present  species  may  be  easily 
told  by  the  exposed  ear  drum — tympanum. 

Several  varieties  have  been  recognised — gabbii  (Cope)  and 
ventralis  (Hallowell),  but  their  varietal  characters  are  not  strik- 
ing enough  to  appeal  to  the  student.  It  should  be  remembered 
that  the  ear  drum  at  once  separates  this  lizard  from  all  the  species 
of  Holbrookia. 

Dimensions. — Total  Length 5f   inches. 

Length  of  Tail 2^ 

Width  of  Body 

WidthofHead ft     " 

Length  of  Head ft 

Distribution. — Western  Texas  to  California;  Lower  Cali- 
fornia; northern  Mexico.  Principally  abundant  in  the  desert 
regions  of  eastern  California,  Arizona,  southern  Nevada  and 
southeastern  Utah;  in  these  areas  it  is  the  most  common  of  the 
various  species  of  lizards. 

Habits. — Like  most  of  the  terrestrial  lizards  this  is  a  won- 
derfully active  creature,  running  with  such  speed  that  the  human 
eye  can  barely  follow  it.  It  usually  curls  the  tail  over  the  back 
when  running,  showing  the  vividly  marked  under-surface.  Some- 
times it  runs  for  a  short  distance  on  the  hind  feet,  a  habit  al- 
ready explained  in  connection  with  the  species  of  Crotaphytus. 
The  food  seems  to  consist  partly  of  insects  and  of  small  blossoms 
and  tender  leaves. 

The  Genus  LJma:  Four  species  have  been  named.  All 
seem  to  be  rare.  The  genus  differs  from  Callisaurus  in  a  peculiar 

117 


The  Spotted  Lizards;  Zebra-tailed  Lizards 

development  of  the  feet.  Along  the  inner  and  outer  margin 
of  most  of  the  toes,  is  a  fringe  of  flat  spines;  this  character  is 
seemingly  Nature's  -provision  to  aid  these  lizards  in  rapidly 
traversing  the  desert  sands;  to  assist  in  this  arrangement,  the 
under  portion  of  each  claw  is  hollowed  out — cup-like — and  has 
sharp  edges.  The  same  development  is  found  with  some  of 
Old  World  desert  geckos.  It  is  interesting  to  find  such  pro- 
nounced examples  of  adaptation,  on  exactly  similar  lines,  in 
forms  so  far  removed  from  one  another  both  in  classification 
and  habitat.  Similar  conditions  have  been  described  under  the 
head  of  the  Horned  Rattlesnake,  Crotalus  cerastes. 

Following  is  a  key  to  the  species  of  Uma,  embracing  some 
of  the  definitions  of  Cope,  who  named  three  of  these  lizards. 

I.    Two  black  crescents  on  throat;  a  black  spot  on  each 
side  of  abdomen. 

Blackish,  covered  with  pale  and  perfectly  round 
blotches,  the  borders  nearly  touching;  in  the  centre 
of  each  disk  is  a  black  spot.  Abdomen  white,  with  a 
black  spot  on  each  side.  Two  black  crescents  on  throat, 
their  points  directed  forward.  Length  about  8  inches; 
head  and  body,  4  inches. 

ROUND-SPOTTED  DESERT  LIZARD,  Uma  scoparia,  Cope. 
Distribution. — Has  been  found  near  Tucson,  Arizona. 

II.  No  black  crescents  on  throat;    a  black    spot    on    each 
side  of  abdomen. 

Brownish,  with  black,  longitudinal  lines;  the  brown 
between  the  dark  bands  often  broken  up  into  rounded 
blotches,  each  containing  a  reddish  spot.  A  large, 
black  spot  on  each  side  of  the  abdomen ;  throat  with 
narrow,  black,  longitudinal  lines.  Length  about  7^ 
inches. 

RED-SPOTTED   DESERT   LIZARD,  Uma  rufopunctata,  Cope. 
Distribution. — Deserts  of  southern  California,  south- 
western Arizona  and  Lower  California. 
Colouration   above,  like   U.  scoparia.    Abdomen^  white 
with  a  black  spot  on  each  side;  chin  and  throat  with 
a  few  blue  or  black  spots. 

OCCELLATED   DESERT   LIZARD,  Uma  notata,  Baird. 
Distribution. — Mohave  Desert,  Arizona. 

III.  No  black  spots  on  abdomen,  or  black  crescents  on  throat. 
Greenish,  with  darker  spots.     No  black  spots  on  the 

the  abdomen ;  seven  black  spots  on  under  surface  of 
tail. 

COPE'S  DESERT   LIZARD,  Uma  inornata,  Cope. 
Distribution. — Colorado  Desert. 
118 


THE  REPTILE  BOOK 


PLATE  XL 


m 


PLATED  LIZARD,  Gerrhonotus  midticarinatus 


GLASS   "SNAKE,"  Ophisaurus  ventralis,    A  limbless  member  of  the  A nguidce 


GILA  MONSTER,  Heloderma  suspectum 
STRUCTURAL  CHARACTERS  OF   NORTH  AMERICAN  LIZARDS.    Anguida  and  Helodermatidte 


*,  o  «i  a  .s 


The  Spotted  Lizards;  Zebra-tailed  Lizards 

Habits. — Regarding  the  habits  of  the  Occellated  Lizard — 
Uma  notata,  is  the  following  extract  from  an  article  by  S.  E. 
Meek*  and  representing  the  field  notes  of  Edmund  Heller. 

"This  species  was  taken  only  in  the  drifting  sand  areas  of  the 
bed  of  the  Mohave  River,  where  it  is  a  common  form.  It  has  the 
peculiar  habit  of  burying  itself  in  the  sand  when  pursued.  The 
peculiar  fringe  of  scales  along  the  toes  evidently  serves  to  give  the 
lizard  sufficient  speed  over  the  loose  sand  to  force  its  body  beneath 
the  surface.  The  sharp,  depressed  snout  is  evidently  another  mod- 
ification to  aid  in  getting  beneath  the  sand.  Usually  the  entire 
body  is  buried,  but  occasionally  the  tip  of  the  tail  protrudes. 
Their  peculiar,  mottled  colouration  does  not  render  them  protect- 
ively coloured  on  the  white  sand,  but  their  peculiar  mode  of  elud- 
ing pursuers  renders  this  unnecessary,  and  at  the  same  time  limits 
them  to  areas  covered  with  fine,  drifting  sand. 

"The  food  of  the  species  consists  largely  of  the  leaves  of  a 
forget-me-not  (Cryptonthe) ,  which  is  abundant  among  the  sand 
dunes.  The  young  leaves  of  the  desert  willow  (Chilopsis)  are  also 
eaten.  The  insect  food  consists  of  caterpillars,  ants,  bees,  etc. 
One  species  was  seen  several  feet  up  on  an  oblique  limb  of 
desert  willow,  in  search  of  the  young  leaves  which  were  just 
budding. 

"Specimens  were  secured  at  Daggett,  California." 

The  Spotted  Lizards — Genus  Holbrookia:  The  five  species 
comprising  this  genus  are  rather  small,  moderately  slender  in 
proportions,  though  of  distinctly  flattened  form.  They  are 
covered  with  very  minute  scales.  All  are  pale  in  colour,  and 
usually  with  two  rows  of  large,  wavy  blotches  on  the  back,  and 
a  row  of  similar,  though  less  distinct  blotches  on  each  side.  On 
most  of  the  species  there  are  two  bluish  or  blackish  bars  on 
the  lower  portion  of  each  side. 

This  genus  differs  from  the  closely  allied  genera  by  the  ab- 
sence of  external  ear  disks,  these  being  entirely  concealed  by 
the  fleshy  folds  of  the  head.  The  limbs  are  well-developed,  with 
long  and  slender  toes. 

From  the  following  key,  together  with  the  illustrations, 
the  student  should  be  able  to  easily  distinguish  the  species,  which 
inhabit  an  extended  area  of  the  central  and  western  United 
States  and  northern  Mexico: 


*  Vol.  VII,  No.  i,  Field  Columbian  Museum,  Chicago,  111.     Zoological 
Series — Publication  104. 


The  Spotted  Lizards;  Zebra-tailed  Lizards 

Key  to  the  Spotted  Lizards. 

General  markings  of  all  tie  species. — Pale  brown,  yellowish  or 
gray  with  two  rows  of  dark  blotches  on  the  back,  these  bluntly 
triangular,  with  the  points  directed  toward  the  tail;  on  the  tail 
they  fuse  together,  forming  V-  or  W-shaped  blotches  or  bands. 
Similar,  though  more  obscure  blotches  on  the  sides. 

I.  Tail  flat  for  nearly  its  entire  length. 

Black  cross-bars  on  under  surface  of  tail;  a  pair  of  black 
crescents  on  each  side  of  abdomen. 

ZEBRA-TAILED  LIZARD,  Holbrookia  texana,  Troschel. 

II.  Tail  flat  at  base;  greater  part  round. 

a.  Black  cross-bars  under  tail;  no  black  spots  on  abdomen. 

WHITE-BELLIED  LIZARD,  Holbrookia  lacerata,  Cope. 

b.  No  black  cross-bars  under  tail;  a  pair  of  black  spots 
on  each  side  of  abdomen. 

Tail  longer  than  head  and  body;  limbs  very  long. 
MEXICAN  SPOTTED  LIZARD,  Holbrookia  propinqua,  B.  &  G. 
Tail  shorter  than  head  and  body;  limbs  moderate. 
COMMON  SPOTTED  LIZARD,  Holbrookia  maculata,  Girard. 

c.  No  black  bars  under  tail;  no  black  spots  on  abdomen. 
Limbs  very  long. 

SLENDER  SPOTTED  LIZARD,  Holbrookia  elegans,  Boucourt. 

There  is  no  marked  difference  in  the  size  of  the  different 
species.  All  vary  in  the  intensity  of  the  markings — the  blotches 
on  some  examples  are  very  obscure.  Several  varietal  names 
have  been  proposed,  but  intergradations  are  too  numerous  to 
permit  these  to  stand. 

Dimensions. — The  Zebra-tailed  Lizard  is  perhaps  the  largest 
species.  It  attains  a  length  of  eight  to  ten  inches.  Following 
are  the  measurements  of  an  average-sized  adult  of  the  Common 
Spotted  Lizard  (H.  maculata): 

Total  Length 4^   inches. 

LengthofTail   2 

Width  of  Body |i     "** 

WidthofHead   \      " 

Length  of  Hind  Limb    if 

Distribution. — Of  the  different  species  the  Common  Spotted 
Lizard  has  the  most  extended  distribution.  It  occurs  from 
Kansas  to  California,  and  southward  into  northern  Mexico. 
The  Zebra-tailed  Lizard  is  common  in  Texas  whence  it  extends 
westward  to  California;  it  occurs  also  in  northern  Mexico.  The 

120 


The  Spotted  Lizards;  Zebra-tailed  Lizards 

Mexican  Spotted  Lizard  inhabits  northern  Mexico  and  the  south- 
ern border  of  Texas.  The  Slender  Spotted  Lizard  is  a  Mexican 
species  and  does  not  occur  in  the  United  States.  Holbrookia 
lacerata  is  found  in  Texas.  It  seems  to  be  most  nearly  allied 
to  H.  maculata. 

Habits. — Although  these  small  reptiles  are  very  active  and 
capable  of  climbing  rocks  with  great  agility,  they  pass  most 
of  their  time  upon  the  ground.  They  are  generally  found  in 
dry,  rocky  situations,  and  dart  away  with  bewildering  speed 
when  disturbed.  The  H.  texana  evinces  the  peculiar  habit  of 
running  with  the  tail  curled  sharply  upward,  and,  as  this  appen- 
dage is  vividly  marked  with  alternate  black  and  white  bars  on 
the  under  side,  imparts  a  unique  appearance,  hence  the  popular 
name — "Zebra-tailed"  Lizard. 

The  food  consists  of  insect  prey,  usually  in  the  nature  of 
beetles  and  grubs,  for  these  lizards  scamper  about  with  too  much 
fuss  and  rustle  to  capture  flies  and  the  like  as  do  the  velvet- 
footed  "chameleons"  and  geckos. 


121 


CHAPTER  XVI:     THE  SWIFTS 

Two  Genera— UTA    and   SCELOPORUS— Small,  Rough-scaled 

Lizards 

THE  genera  Via  and  Sceloporus  are  closely  allied.  All  of 
the  species  are  of  small  or  very  moderate  size.  Those  of  the 
former  genus  may  be  termed  the  Small-scaled  Swifts,  owing  to 
the  minute  character  of  the  scales  covering  the  greater  portion 
of  the  back,  while  the  species  of  Sceloporus  may  appropriately 
be  considered  under  the  title  of  the  Spiny  Swifts,  as  their  scales 
are  large,  coarsely  keeled,  and  terminate  in  sharp  points  of  a 
bristling  character. 

The  species  of  both  genera  appeal  to  one  another  in 
form,  though  the  species  of  Via  are  the  most  slender  as  a 
rule  and  have  proportionately  longer  tails  than  the  Spiny 
Swifts.  Via  is  essentially  a  genus  of  the  southwestern 
United  States  and  northern  Mexico,  while  the  species  of 
Sceloporus  are  widely  distributed,  occurring  in  the  central 
and  southern  latitudes  of  the  United  States,  from  the  At- 
lantic to  the  Pacific  Ocean  and  abounding  throughout  Mexico 
and  Central  America. 

The  Small-scaled  Swifts,  Via:  Sixteen  species  of  this 
genus  are  recognised.  The  body  is  rather  stout  and  flattened; 
the  head  is  proportionately  quite  small.  With  some  species 
the  tail  is  of  moderate  length;  with  others,  very  long  and  slender. 
The  greater  area  of  the  back  and  sides  is  covered  with  very  small 
scales,  but  some  species  have  enlarged  rows  of  scales  on  the  cen- 
tral portion  of  the  back.  The  generally  minute  scalatiOn  at 
once  distinguishes  the  members  of  this  genus  from  Sceloporus — 
the  latter  having  large,  coarsely  keeled  and  sharply  pointed 
scales  over  the  entire  upper  surface.  The  few  rows  of  large, 
keeled  scales  seen  on  the  central  portion  of  the  back  of  many 
species  of  Uta,  resemble  the  general  scalation  of  the  Spiny  Swifts. 
Many  of  the  species  of  Uta  have  coarse,  spiny  scales  on  the  tail 
like  the  members  of  Sceloporus.  One  of  the  striking  points  of 
similarity  to  be  observed  with  species  of  both  genera  is  a  colour 

122 


The  Swifts 

character  of  the  males.  These  exhibit  a  brilliant  patch  of  blue 
on  each  side  of  the  abdomen. 

The  species  of  Uta  are  exceedingly  active — hence  the  popular 
name  of  Swift.  The  general  colouration  is  gray  or  brown,  with 
darker  transverse  bands  or  blotches.  With  individual  speci- 
mens, the  ground  colour  and  intensity  of  the  pattern  varies 
greatly,  according  to  light,  temperature  and  the  general  activity 
of  the  reptile  itself. 

As  this  is  a  rather  large  genus  and  none  of  the  species  evinces 
any  marked  differentiation  of  colours,  the  writer  has  prepared 
a  concise  list  of  descriptions,  which  somewhat  appeals  to  the 
form  of  key  employed  elsewhere  in  this  work.  The  divisions, 
in  this  list,  are  based  upon  the  formation  of  the  scales  of  the 
back.  The  key  embraces  only  those  species  occurring  in  the 
United  States  and  Lower  California.* 

Division  I.  Scales  of  the  back  small,  smooth  and  of  about 
equal  size.  Scales  of  the  tail  small  and  smooth — not  spiny. 
This  division  contains  the  largest  species:  they  attain  a 
length  of  twenty  inches. 

Three  Hack  cross-bars  on  body. 

THREE-BARRED  SWIFT,  U.  thalassina,  Cope. 
Body  stout ;  tail  very  long.  Dark  green,  with  three  black 
cross-bars.  Abdomen  greenish.  Under  side  of  tail 
and  limbs  yellow.  The  largest  and  handsomest  species 
of  the  genus.  Attains  a  length  of  2of  inches,  of 
which  the  tail  forms  13!  inch. 

Distribution. — Cape  Region  of  Lower  California. 
Four  black  cross-bars  on  body. 

FOUR-BARRED  SWIFT,  U.  repens,  Van  Denburgh. 
Very  similar  to  the  preceding,  but  with  four  black  cross- 
bars.    The  measurements  of  the  type  specimen  are 
smaller  than  those  given  for  the  Three-barred  Swift. 
Distribution. — Rare.     Taken  in  Lower  California. 
Division  II.     Scales  of  the  back,  small,  smooth  and  of  about 
equal  size.     Scales  of  the  tail  of  much  larger  size — keeled 
and  spiny.  MEARNS'  SWIFT,  U.  mearnsii,  Stejneger. 

Body  olive,  with  irregular,  blackish  cross-bands,  between 
which  are  pale  spots.  A  jet  black  band  across  the 
shoulders.  Terminal  third  of  tail  blackish;  remainder 
brownish  with  wide,  black  cross-bands.  Abdomen 
greenish-white — bluish  on  the  flanks.  Attains  a  length 
of  about  9  inches;  tail  6  inches. 

*  In  preparing  this  list,  the  writer  has  practically  popularised  Prof. 
E.  D.  Cope's  very  complete,  technical  key  to  the  genus  Uta. 

123 


The  Swifts 


Distribution. — Lower  California  and  extreme  south- 
ern California. 

Division  III.     Scales  of  back  small  and  of  uniform  size— 
bluntly  keeled.     Tail  with  larger,  spiny  scales. 

STANSBURY'S  SWIFT,  U.  stansburiana,  Baird  &  Girard. 

Dark  green  or  grayish,  with  two  series  of  small,  dark 
blotches  on  the  back,  which  are  surrounded  by  scat- 
tered, bluish  dots.    A  pale  band  on  the  side,  and 
frequently  a  dark,  brownish  blotch  behind  the  fore- 
limb.     Abdomen  pale.     One  of  the  smallest  species. 
Following  are  the  measurements  of  an  adult  specimen: 
Total  length,  4!  inches;    length  of   tail,    2^  inches; 
width  of  body,  ^  an  inch;  width  of  head,  f  of  an  inch. 
Distribution. — The  most   abundant   species  of  the 
genus.     It  occurs  from   western  Texas  to  Cali- 
fornia,   inclusive,    and    northward    to    Nevada. 
Very   common   in   the   deserts  of  Arizona    and 
eastern  California. 

PALMER'S  SWIFT,  U.  palmerii,  Stejneger. 

Larger  than  the  preceding.  Bluish-drab,  with  numerous, 
small,  whitish  dots,  two  to  three  scales  large,  irregu- 
larly scattered  over  the  body.  No  dark  blotches  on 
the  back.  A  dark  spot  behind  the  forelimb.  Attains 
a  length  of  about  6  inches. 

Distribution. — San    Pedro   Martir    Island,   Gulf  of 
California. 

Division  IV.     Middle  of  the  back  with  four  to  six  rows  of 

much  enlarged,  keeled  scales. 

Sub-division  a.     Enlarged  scales  of  the  back  in  five  or  six 
irregular  rows — smaller  intermixed  with  larger  ones. 

I.     A  row  of  sharply  conical,  close-set  scales  on  each  side. 
ORNATE  SWIFT,  U.  ornata,  Baird  &  Girard. 

Gray,  with  wavy,  black  cross-bands.  Males  with  a  large 
blue  patch  on  each  side  of  the  abdomen.  Head  broad. 
Hind  limbs  shorter  than  the  distance  from  vent  to 
fold  of  skin  under  neck.  Attains  a  length  of  six*  to 
eight  inches. 
Distribution. — Arid  regions  of  New  Mexico,  Arizona 

and  California. 
I  a.    No  row  of  raised  scales  on  the  sides. 

OLIVE  SWIFT,  U.  levis,  Stejneger. 

Large  scales  of  the  back  very  feebly  keeled.     Greenish 
above,  without  traces  of  other  markings.     The  male 
has  a  blue  patch  on  each  side  of  the  abdomen. 
Distribution. — New  Mexico.     Rare. 
124 


THE  REPTILE  BOOK 


PLATE  XLII 


BLACK-THROATED  RACERUNNER,  Cnemidophorus  gularis,  and  SIX- LINED   LIZARD,  Cnemidophorus  sexlinealus 


Same  as  above 


RED-HEADED  SKINK,  Eumeces  quinquelineatus 


Tail 


,  '  .      ,    Chin  ird-  Throat 


Side  of  Head  Top  of  Head 

FLORIDA  WORM  LIZARD,  Rhineura  floridana 
STRUCTURAL  CHARACTERS  OF  NORTH  AMERICAN  LIZARDS.     Teiida,  Scincida,  and  Amphisbamidx 


PLATE  XLIII 


THE  REPTILE  BOOK 


STANBURY'S  SWIFT,  Uta  stansburiana 
Abundant  in  the  steH.e  ^    *°*  **  ^ 


WHITE-BELLIED  SWIFT,  Wa  tymmetrtca 

Common  in  Arizona  and  New  Mexico     Note  the  rows 
of  enlarged  scales  on  the  back 


One  of  the  larges' 


CLARK'S  SWIFT,  Sceloporvs  clarkii 
t  of  the  swifts.    There  is  a  spot  of  blue  or  green  in  each  of  the  scales  on  the  back 


The  Swifts 

Sub-division  b.     Enlarged  scales  of  the  back  in  four,  regular 

rows — two  rows  on  each  side  of  a  central  row  (or   two)    of 

minute  scales.     A  row  of  enlarged,  bristling  scales  on  each  side. 

WHITE-BELLIED  SWIFT,  U.  symmetrica,  Baird. 

Head  proportionately  broad  and  flat.     Hind  limb  as  long 

or  longer  than  the  distance  from   the  vent  to   the 

fold  of  skin  under  throat.     Grayish  or  brownish,  with 

darker,  wavy  cross-bands.    Abdomen  white;    throat 

frequently    yellow.      Dimensions:      Total    length,   5^ 

inches;    tail,  3f  inches;    width  of  body  f  of  an  inch; 

width  of  head,  TV  of  an  inch;   length  of  head,   £  an 

inch;    length  of  hind  limb,   if  of  an  inch. 

Distribution. — Common   in    the    desert    regions    of 

Arizona  and  eastern  California. 

Sub-division  c.  Enlarged  scales  of  back  in  from  five  to  seven 
regular  rows  of  about  uniform  si^e.  A  series  of  but  slightly 
enlarged  and  scattered,  conical  scales  on  each  side. 

BLACK-TAILED  SWIFT,  U.  nigricauda,  Cope. 
Brown  or  gray,  with  wavy,  black  cross-bands.    Tail  black- 
ish.   Throat  of  the  male  orange.    One  of  the  smallest 
species — total  length,  3!  inches;  tail  i||  of  an  inch. 
Distribution. — Lower  California.     Abundant. 

BLACK  SWIFT,  U.  parviscutata,  Van  Denburgh. 
Sooty  black  above,  with  a  few,  irregularly  scattered,  light 
dots  and  indications  of  cross-bands  of  a  deeper  black. 
Male  specimens  differ  from  the  preceding,  to  which  this 
species  is  closely  related,  in  possessing  a  blue  patch, 
in  place  of  orange,  on  the  throat.     Attains  a  length 
of  4!  inches;  tail  occupying  3^  inches  of  that  measure- 
ment. 
Distribution. — Lower  California.     Rare. 

LONG-TAILED  SWIFT,  U.  graciosa,  Hallowell. 
The  most  slender  species  of  the  genus.     Tail  excessively 
long — two  and  a  half  times  the  length  of  the  combined 
head  and  body.     Ashy-gray  or  reddish,  with  a  series 
of  darker,  wavy  cross-bars  on  each  side.     A  band  ex- 
tending lengthwise  on  neck.     Males  with  a  blue  patch 
on  each  side  of  the  abdomen.     Attains  a  length  of 
eight  inches,  of  which  the  tail  occupies  5!  inches. 
Distribution. — Arid    regions   of   southern    Nevada, 
Arizona  and  eastern  California,  in  the  vicinity 
of  the  Colorado  River. 

Habits. — The  Small-scaled  Swifts  are  terrestrial  lizards, 
living  among  rocks  in  the  deserts  and  sub-arid  regions  of  the 
Southwest.  They  are  wonderfully  agile  and  fairly  skim  over 
the  ground  when  pursued,  but  do  not  appear  to  adopt  the  habit 

125 


The  Swifts 

of  running  on  the  hind  limbs,  as  do  some  of  the  lizards  already 
described — Crotaphytus,  Callisaurus  and  Holbrookia.  Although 
the  feet  are  not  provided  with  adhesive  disks  or  pads,  these 
creatures  find  a  footing  upon  almost  perpendicular  cliffs,  over 
which  they  may  be  commonly  seen  darting  about,  in  search  of 
insect  food  or  scurrying  away  from  the  human  intruder.  Cap- 
tive specimens  are  hardy  if  kept  perfectly  dry  and  very  warm. 
Their  cages  should  be  so  situated  as  to  have  sunlight  for  the 
greater  part  of  the  day.  If  deprived  of  the  sun  they  seldom 
show  a  desire  to  feed.  Mealworms  and  grasshoppers  form  a 
good  diet.  To  provide  the  specimens  with  water,  it  is  best  to 
take  a  small  branch,  dip  this  in  a  pail  and  place  it  in  the  cage. 
They  will  be  attracted  to  and  drink  the  hanging  drops,  while 
a  small  pan  of  water  in  the  cage  might  pass  unnoticed  for 
days. 

The  Genus  Lysoptychus :  Following  the  Small  -  scaled 
Swifts  comes  a  genus  containing  a  single  species,  which,  in  general 
characters  of  scalation,  stands  midway  between  Via  and  Scelo- 
porus.  The  scalation  of  the  head  and  body  appeals  more  strongly 
to  the  latter  genus,  but  there  is  a  fold  of  skin  under  the  throat. 
The  species  is  brown  above,  with  faint  darker  markings  in  the 
form  of  transverse  blotches.  There  is  a  blue  patch  on  each 
side  of  the  abdomen.  It  measures  seven  inches  in  length  and 
is  technically  known  as  Lysoptychns  lateralis,  Cope.  But  one 
specimen  is  known.  It  was  taken  near  San  Diego,  Texas. 

The  Spiny  Swifts,  Sceloporus.  The  species  of  this  genus 
are  considerably  more  difficult  to  identify  than  the  lizards  of 
the  genus  Uta.  The  arrangement  of  the  latter  in  the  form  of 
a  descriptive  key  is  greatly  facilitated  by  the  strong  characters 
displayed  in  the  scalation  of  the  back.  Among  the  species  of 
Sceloporus,  there  are  no  such  sharply  defined  characters  and  in 
order  to  correctly  identify  the  confusing  array  of  North  American 
species  the  student  must  note  the  different  phases  of  scalation 
of  the  head.  With  this  knowledge  at  hand  it  will  be  found  that 
the  different  species  fall  into  several  groups,  and  identification 
is  greatly  simplified.  There  is,  however,  a  considerable  amount 
of  variation  to  be  seen  among  these  lizards  and  the  observer 
may  be  confronted  with  frequent  specimens  that  defy  adaptation 
to  the  groups  in  which  they  really  belong.  It  might  be  said 
that  this  genus  and  Cnemidophorus ,  are  by  far  the  most  puzzling, 

126 


The  Swifts 

as  regards  identification  of  species,  among  the  North  American 
lizards. 

Distribution. — About  thirty-five  species  of  Sceloporus  are 
recognised  and  of  these  about  one-half  the  number  inhabit  Mex- 
ico and  Central  America,  which  countries  might  be  termed  the 
headquarters  of  the  Spiny  Swifts;  they  have  extended  their 
range  into  the  southwestern  portions  of  the  United  States,  while 
a  few  species  have  reached  such  northern  limits  as  Oregon  and 
others  have  extended  southward  into  the  peninsula  of  Lower 
California.  The  range  eastward  has  not  been  pronounced,  for 
with  the  exception  of  two  species  the  Swifts  do  not  extend  be- 
yond Texas.  Of  these,  one  (5.  spinosus)  extends  eastward 
from  Mexico  and  Texas  along  the  southern  borders  of  the  Gulf 
States  to  about  Pensacola,  Florida.  The  other  (S.  undulatus) 
abounds  throughout  the  Eastern  States,  from  southern  New 
Jersey  to  Florida,  where  it  may  be  seen  in  the  country,  scamper- 
ing over  every  fence  and  stone  wall  or  upon  the  trunks  of  fallen 
trees — particularly  in  the  pinelands.  It  is  the  most  widely  dis- 
tributed of  any  of  the  Spiny  Swifts,  being  found  from  the 
Atlantic  to  the  Pacific  coasts. 

General  characters. — As  members  of  their  genus,  the  Spiny 
Swifts  are  readily  recognised.  They  are  covered  above  with 
large,  lustreless  and  coarsely  keeled  scales,  terminating  in  sharp, 
spine-like  points — particularly  on  the  limbs  and  tail.  So  sharply 
pointed  are  the  scales  of  some  of  the  species,  that  the  reptiles 
appear  to  bristle  all  over,  with  needle-like  spines.  The  abdomi- 
nal scales  are  smooth  and  polished.  The  prevailing  colours  of 
all  the  species,  above,  are  gray,  brownish,  or  olive,  with  darker 
and  wavy  cross-bands.  The  throat  and  abdomen  of  male  spec- 
imens display  large  patches  of  rich  blue,  which  colour  varies 
in  hue  according  to  atmospheric  conditions  and  the  activity 
of  the  individual.  Female  specimens  exhibit  little  or  none  of 
the  blue. 

A  few  words  regarding  more  precise  anatomical  characters 
are  necessary  before  presenting  a  key  to  the  identification  of 
the  species.  The  characters  of  the  pattern  are  too  weak  and 
monotonous  to  be  alone  employed;  they  are  secondarily  impor- 
tant in  the  sub-divisions  of  a  key.  It  is  from  the  scalation  of 
the  head  that  we  must  draw  the  characters  for  the  formation  of 
an  analytical  table  of  the  species.  (See  figures.)  These 

127 


The  Swifts 

characters  are  of  rather  a  technical  aspect  and  need  some  ex- 
planation. Enlarged  figures  of  heads  among  the  illustrations 
should  be  thoroughly  consulted.  They  show  portions  embracing 
the  combinations  of  scales  that  are  of  the  greatest  importance 
— the  supraocular  scales — so  called  because  of  their  covering  the 
area  directly  above  the  eye.  From  the  illustrations  it  will  be 
noted  that  the  supraocular  plates  or  scales  are  arranged  in  a 
in  a  large,  central  series,  which  are  bordered  on  either  side 
by  a  row  of  minute  scales.  The  inner  row  of  these 
small  marginal  scales,  arranged  in  crescentic  form  are,  among 
all  the  species,  in  a  single  row.  The  outer  marginal  scales,  how- 
ever, may  be  present  in  one,  two  or  three  rows,  according  to  the 
species.  Hence  we  have  an  important  distinction  upon  which 
to  base  a  key.  The  genus  has  been  treated  with  more  detail 
than  Ufa,  and  a  concise,  descriptive  list  of  the  species  follows 
the  key.  All  complicated  phraseology  has  been  carefully  omitted 
from  the  former,  for  the  writer  believes  that  the  beginner  should 
consider  a  difficult  genus  like  this  from  a  bird's-eye  point  of  view 
for  the  most  satisfactory  results,  rather  than  plunge  into  a  be- 
wildering mixture  of  comparisons. 
The  key  follows: 

Division  A.  A  row  of  large  supraocular  plates,  with  a 
single  internal  border  and  one  external  row 
of  small  scales. 

Sub-division  I.  Internal  border  of  small  scales  extending 
around  forward  two-thirds  only,  of  cres- 
centic margin. 

Color  phases. — Grayish  or  brownish,  with  transverse, 
dark  wavy  bands.  No  complete  black 
collar.  Greenish-gray  or  scales  with  green 
centre;  traces  of  black  collar  on  sides  of 
neck.  Size  large. 

CLARK'S  SWIFT,  5.  clarkii. 

Yellowish,  with  a  wide,  reddish  band  on 
each  side;  indistinct,  brown  cross-bars.  Size 
large.  BANDED  SWIFT,  S.  fosteromus. 

Brown  to  blackish;    scales  spotted  with  blue 
or  green,  and  red.    One  of  the  largest  species. 
ORCUTT'S  SWIFT,  5.  orcuttii. 
128 


THE  REPTILE  BOOK 


PLATE  XLIV 


COMMON  SWIFT;    FENCE  LIZARD .  Sceloporus  undulatus 
SPINY  SWIFT;   TEXAS  SWIFT,  Sceloporus  'spinoms 

The  spec.es  figured  live  mostly  on  the  trunks  of  fallen  trees,  scurrying  about  in  search  of  insect  prey     On  the  throat 
and  abdomen  of  the  males  are  brilliant  blue  patches 


PACIFIC  SWIFT,  Sceloporus  undulatus  occidentals  BANDED  SWIFT,  Sceloporus  undulatus  consobrinus 


THE  REPTILE  BOOK 


PLATE  XLV 


WESTERN  SWIFT,  Scehporus  biseriatus 
The  additional  tail  on  this  specimen  is  an  irregularity  resulting  from  an  injury  to  the  original  member 


„,.     ,  COLLARED  SWIFT,  Sceloporus  torguatus  poinsettii 

e  finest  spec.es  of  its  genus.     Attains  a  length  of  zo  inches.     May  be  recognised  by  the  extremely  coarse  scales  and  broad  black  collar 


The  Swifts 

Sub-division  II.  Internal  border  of  small  scales,  extending 

completely  about  the  margin  of  supraorbital 

crescent.     Sometimes    an    additional,    but 

fragmental,  external  border. 

Gray,    with    wavy    black    cross-bands;    an 

oblong,    black    patch    on    each    shoulder;     a 

broad,  pale  band  on  each  side;  size  large;  scales 

coarsely  bristling.        SPINY  SWIFT,  S.  spinosus. 

Division  B.  A  row  of  large,  supraocular  plates,  with  a 
a  single  internal  border  and  two  external 
rows  of  small  scales.  Larger  head  plates 
smooth. 

Colour  phases. — Grayish  or  olive  with  wavy,  dark    cross- 
bands.     Usually  a  plate  band  (or  two)  on 
each  side. 
Sub-division  I .       Traces  of  black  collar  on  sides  of  neck. 

Bluish-black;    a  greenish  or  yellow  spot  in 
each  scale;    a  broad  black  collar  on  sides  of 
neck.   Size  large.    YARROW'S  SWIFT,  S.  yarrovii. 
Sub-division  II.      No  collar.     Pale  bands  on  sides. 

Greenish-gray,  with  two  series  of  narrow 
dark  blotches  (wavy)  on  back.  Size  moder- 
ate.* Bands  on  sides  obscure  or  lacking. 

WESTERN  SWIFT,  S.  biseriatus. 

Dark  green,  with  faint  traces  of  a  pale  band 
on  each  side.  Scalation  rather  fine;  size 
small;  apparently  confined  to  southern  Cali- 
fornia and  Lower  California. 

VAN  DENBURGH'S  SWIFT,  S.  vandenburgianus. 

Greenish-yellow,  with  obscure  cross-bands; 
a  very  distinct,  pale  band,  on  each  side;  scales 
moderately  coarse;  size  small. 

YELLOW-BANDED  SWIFT, 

S.  undulatus  var.  consobrinus. 

Division  C.  Very  similar  to  Div.  B.  in  arrangement  of 
the  supraocular  plates;  but  the  larger  plates  of 
the  head  are  wrinkled  longitudinally  (rugose). 
There  are  occasionally  three  external  borders  of 
small,  supraorbital  scales. 

Colour  phases. — Grayish,    with    darker    cross-bands.     No 
collar.     Pale  bands  on  sides. 


*  Species  of  this  genus  that  attain  an  average  length  of  nine  inches, 
may  be  termed  large  species;  those  reaching  an  average  length  of  seven 
inches  may  be  considered  as  of  moderate  size,  while  species  growing  to  a 
maximum  length  of  about  five  inches  are  designated  as  the  small  members 
of  Sceloporus. 


The  Swifts 

Large  supraocular  plates  numerous — six; 
marginal  scales  numerous  and  minute;  dark 
green,  with  a  pale,  greenish  band  on  each  side — 
these  separated  by  about  fourteen  rows  of 
scales;  two  series  of  obscure  blotches;  size 
large.  VARIABLE  SWIFT,  S.  variabilis. 

Gray,  with  wavy,  darker  cross-bands.  An 
indistinct  stripe  on  each  side — these  separated 
by  about  ten  rows  of  scales.  Size  small.  Head 
plates  not  always  corrugated.  Occurs  from 
Atlantic  to  Pacific  Coasts. 

COMMON   SWIFT,  S.  Undulatus. 

Scales  more  bristling  than  preceding;  blotches 
rather  triangular.  Occurs  on  the  Pacific  coast 
only;  size  small. 

PACIFIC  SWIFT,  S.  undulatus,  var.  occidentalis. 

Pale  bands  separated  by  six  or  eight  rows  of 
scales;  otherwise  very  similar  to  S.  undulatus. 
Size  small.  Restricted  to  Texas. 

THAYER'S  SWIFT,  5.  tbayeri. 

Olive-gray;  a  very  narrow,  but  bright  yel- 
low line  on  each  side — these  lines  about  twelve 
scale  rows  apart.  Two  series  of  dark  crescents 
on  back;  size  small. 

STRIPED  SWIFT,  5.  scalaris. 

Division  D.  A  double  series  of  moderate-sized,  supraocular 
plates,  bordered  internally  with  a  row  of  smaller 
scales  and  externally  by  one  or  two  rows  of 
small  scales — which  latter  rows  may  be  of  ir- 
regular formation. 
Sub-division  I.  A  broad,  jet-black  collar,  completed  above. 

Scales  very  large  and  bristling.  Obscure, 
dark  cross-bands  on  olive  ground;  a  broad, 
black  collar,  margined  with  yellow  and  com- 
pleted above.  Size  very  large. 

COLLARED  SWIFT,  S.  torquatus,  var.  poinsettii. 
Sub-division  II.  No  collar;  pale  bands  on  sides.           -, 

Olive  gray.  A  pale  band  on  each  side,  about 
two  scales  wide  and  separated  by  about  eight 
scale  rows.  Obscure  cross-bands.  Size  moder- 
ate. SAGE-BRUSH  SWIFT,  5.  gmdoSUS. 

Following  is  a  descriptive  list  of  the  species : 

The  first  group  of  the  Spiny  Swifts  to  be  considered,  is 
Division  A  of  the  key,  with  which  the  inner  border  or  margin 
of  small  scales  along  the  edges  of  the  supraocular  plates  is  in- 

130 


The  Swifts 

complete — extending  only  about  two-thirds  around  the  crescent- 
shaped  margin — the  rear  supraoculars  being  in  contact  with  the 
larger  plates  of  the  head.  There  is  a  single  outer  margin  of 
small  scales.  The  colouration  of  the  members  of  this  group  is 
in  no  way  characteristic. 

Clark's  Swift,  Sceloporus  clarkii,  (Baird  &  Girard),  is  a 
fine  species,  with  large,  sharply  pointed,  bristling  scales.  It 
is  rather  characteristic  from  the  large  and  very  regular  scala- 
tion  of  the  head,  the  shields  being  so  sharply  outlined  that 
the  scale  formula  may  be  noted  by  the  novice  without  the  least 
difficulty. 

Each  body  scale  contains  a  greenish  or  bluish  patch  and  is 
usually  edged  with  gray.  The  spots  within  the  scales  vary 
greatly  in  intensity  according  to  the  activity  of  the  individual. 
If  the  lizard  is  active  the  greenish  spots  assume  such  decided 
hues  that  the  entire  body  appears  to  be  of  a  greenish  or  bluish 
tinge.  If  it  is  sluggish,  the  gray  edges  of  the  scales  suffuse  the 
brighter  colours  and  the  prevailing  hue  is  dull  gray.  On  some 
specimens  there  is  a  series  of  dull,  wavy  cross-bars  of  a  dark 
hue  on  the  back;  others  have  no  trace  of  these,  but  on  all  there 
are  indications  of  a  broad,  black  collar  on  the  sides  of  the  neck; 
this  is  not  margined  with  a  lighter  colour,  nor  is  it  visible  from 
above.  The  under-side  of  male  specimens  is  dull  whitet  with  a 
patch  of  vivid  blue  on  each  side  of  the  abdomen  and  a  similar 
patch  on  the  chin. 

Dimensions. — Following  are  the  measurements  of  a  speci- 
men taken  near  Tucson,  Arizona: 

Total  Length 9    inches. 

Length  of  Tail 5 

Width  of  Body if      " 

Width  of  Head i 

Distribution. — Inhabits  the  deserts  and  sub-arid  regions 
of  the  southwestern  United  States.  It  occurs  in  southern  Cali- 
fornia and  in  Arizona  generally,  New  Mexico,  southern  Nevada, 
southwest  Utah  and  northern  Mexico. 

Habits. — Although  an  abundant  lizard,  it  is  difficult  to  cap- 
ture. It  skims  over  the  desert  soil  if  pursued,  and,  if  decid- 
ing to  stop  for  a  moment  to  reconnoitre,  will  actually  slide  a 
few  inches  from  the  great  momentum  of  its  scampering  pace. 
If  near  a  "pole"  cactus  or  a  yucca  tree,  it  darts  upward  at  a 


The  Swifts 

bewildering  speed.  The  collector  stands  about  as  much  chance 
of  catching  specimens  with  his  hands  alone — possibly  assisted 
by  a  net — as  he  would  if  trying  to  collect  birds  in  such  primitive 
fashion.  The  up-to-date  collector  who  is  after  such  specimens, 
to  preserve  them,  carries  a  small-bore  shot  gun  and  shells  loaded 
with  very  fine  shot. 

This  swift  seems  to  be  particularly  abundant  about  Tucson, 
Arizona.  A  collector  sent  the  following,  in  a  letter  to  the  writer: 

"I  have  been  after  those  big  swifts  for  some  time,  but  would 
rather  catch  rattlers.  Not  that  the  latter  job  is  the  most  pleasant, 
but  the  trouble  expended  is  well  repaid  by  the  character  of  the 
specimens  captured.  Although  these  swifts  are  common  enough, 
there  is  generally  about  as  much  labour  and  excitement  in  catching 
a  few  as  rounding  up  a  bunch  of  wild  steers.  If  you  do  get  near 
enough  to  make  a  grab,  the  brute  seems  determined  to  make  your 
efforts  as  fruitless  as  possible,  by  twisting  of?  most  of  its  tail.  They 
can  run  up  the  yuccas  a  great  deal  faster  than  a  squirrel  can  get  up 
a  tree.  I  am  sending  you  four — all  without  tails. ' 

The  tailless  specimens  arrived  safely  in  New  York  and  were 
placed  in  a  cage  at  a  south  window.  Here  they  obtained  sun- 
light for  the  greater  part  of  the  day.  On  cloudy  days,  or  during 
the  early  morning  before  the  sun  shone  into  their  cage,  they 
were  dull  and  sluggish,  either  lying  flattened  against  a  log  or 
clinging  in  the  dark  corners.  As  the  first  few  inches  of  sunshine 
crept  into  the  cage,  they  took  immediate  advantage  of  it,  first 
basking,  so  as  to  thoroughly  warm  their  bodies,  then  begin- 
ning to  frisk  about  in  the  liveliest  fashion.  Their  sombre  gray 
tints  of  the  early  morning  changed  to  a  rich,  greenish  hue,  or, 
if  one  of  the  males  became  greatly  excited  after  being  chased 
about  the  cage  by  one  of  his  sex,  the  green  gave  way  to  a  pro- 
fuse sprinkling  of  pale  blue  over  the  back  and  tail,  while  a  broad 
band  of  jet-black  appeared  on  each  side  of  the  neck  as  indications 
of  the  broad  collar  to  be  seen  on  several  of  the  larger  species 
of  swifts.  At  such  times,  when  the  head  was  raised,  the  vivid 
blue  patches  on  the  chins  of  the  males  were  strikingly  brilliant. 
These  blotches  appeared  to  vary  almost  momentarily  from  the 
richest  emerald  green  to  a  light  purple,  thence  to  a  pale,  sky 
blue.  As  the  sun  crept  out  of  the  cage  again,  these  creatures 
of  the  light  once  more  retired  to  the  log  and  the  dark  corners, 
to  flatten,  with  eyes  half  closed  and  colours  fading  into  dull 
gray  hues.  Apparently  the  sun  was  half  their  life.  They  fed 

132 


The  Swifts 

only  during  the  hours  of  the  brighest  light  and  highest  tempera- 
ture, taking  mealworms,  grasshoppers  and  various  caterpillars, 
shaking  the  larger  ones  violently,  in  much  the  same  fashion  as 
a  terrier  treats  a  rat.  They  could  not  be  induced  to  feed  on 
cloudy  days,  even  though  the  temperature  was  high. 

About  two  months  after  the  arrival  of  these  specimens, 
each  of  them  exhibited  about  a  quarter  of  an  inch  of  a  new  tail, 
growing  from  the  broken  stump  of  the  original  member.  This 
second  tail  grew  slowly.  On  one  specimen  it  attained  a  length 
of  about  two  inches,  but  on  the  others  grew  to  lesser  propor- 
tions, though  all  were  large — nearly  four  inches  long  in  com- 
bined length  of  head  and  body.  Eight  months  after  their  arrival, 
no  further  growth  could  be  noted.  The  new  tails  were  abruptly 
pointed  and  covered  with  a  different  and  much  finer  scalation 
than  the  lost  appendage.  These  lizards  passed  the  winter  in 
a  well-heated  room  at  a  sunny,  south  window,  and  were  fully 
as  active  during  the  cold  months  as  in  the  summer.  They  lived 
for  several  years. 

The  Banded  Swift,  Sceloporus  ^osteromus,  (Cope),  is  one  of 
the  three  species  of  the  former  portion  of  Division  A  in  the  key. 
Occasional  specimens  exhibit  two  external  rows  of  small,  supra- 
ocular  scales.  The  scales  of  the  body  are  large,  keeled  and 
bristling.  It  is  one  of  the  largest  species  of  the  genus,  attain- 
ing a  combined  length  of  head  and  body,  of  3^  inches. 

Ground  colour  olive;  a  broad, reddish  band  on  each  side  of 
the  back.  On  some  specimens  there  are  narrow,  dusky  cross- 
bands.  Throat  and  abdomen  tinged  with  bright  green  or  blue. 

Distribution. — The  Peninsula  of  Lower  California. 

Orcutt's  Swift,  Sceloporus  orcuttii,  (Stejneger),  is  another 
species  of  Division  A,  and  readily  distinguished  by  its  smooth 
scales,  which  are  large  and  terminate  in  a  sharp  point.  This 
lizard  grows  to  a  length  of  over  eight  inches;  with  a  specimen 
8f  inches  long,  the  combined  length  of  the  head  and  body  would 
be  about  3f  inches.  There  are  a  series  of  enlarged  scales  imme- 
diately in  front  of  the  ear  opening. 

In  its  colouration  this  is  one  of  the  most  striking  of  the 
swifts.  The  ground  colour  of  adult  specimens  is  brownish  upon 
the  back  and  blackish  upon  the  sides,  although  little  of  this 
ground  colour  is  apparent,  owing  to  the  remarkable  spots  and 
blotches  upon  the  scales.  The  scales  of  the  back  have  a  bright, 


The  Swifts 

bluish  spot  at  their  base  and  are  tinged  with  red  at  their  margin. 
Those  of  the  sides  are  more  finely  spotted  (speckled)  with  these 
colours.  The  limbs  and  tail  are  usually  of  a  rich,  blue  tint.  Al- 
together the  effect  is  that  of  a  stained  glass  window,  in  miniature. 
The  greater  portion  of  the  abdomen  is  greenish-blue. 

Distribution. — Mountain  regions  near  the  coast  of  south- 
western California. 

Sub-division  II  of  the  first  group  of  Spiny  Swifts,  contains 
but  one  species  (north  of  Mexico).  It  differs  from  the  preceding 
in  having  the  inner  margin  of  small  scales  completely  border- 
ing the  crescentic  margin  of  the  supraocular  plates.  There  is  a 
single  row  of  external  scales  with  the  majority;  occasional  spec- 
imens have  fragmental  indications  of  a  second  row. 

The  Spiny  Swift,  Sceloporus  spinosus,  (Wiegmann),  is  one 
of  the  large  species.  The  scales  are  large,  strongly  keeled  and 
terminate  in  very  pronounced,  spiny  points,  presenting  a  decidedly 
bristling  aspect. 

Dull  olive  or  grayish,  sometimes  greenish  or  yellow;  a  series 
of  narrow,  wavy,  black  cross-bands  on  the  back,  continued  in 
closer  formation  on  the  tail,  in  ring-like  fashion.  On  each  side 
of  the  back,  but  particularly  distinct  upon  the  shoulders,  is  a 
pale  band,  the  width  of  a  single  row  of  scales  and  a  half  row  on 
each  side.  Male  specimens  have  a  large,  oblong,  black  patch 
near  the  region  of  each  shoulder.  The  abdomen  of  the  male 
is  marked  on  each  side  with  a  large  purple  blotch,  margined 
with  black;  little  or  no  blue  on  the  under  surface  of  the  female, 
and  on  neither  sex  is  there  an  indication  of  a  black  collar. 

Dimensions. — Total  Length 9!  inches. 

Length  of  Tail 5*      " 

Width  of  Body i£      " 

Width  of  Head i 

Distribution. — Abundant  in  Mexico  and  extending*  north- 
ward, and  commonly,  throughout  western  Texas  and  New  Mex- 
ico. .  As  far  east  as  Dallas  it  becomes  rare,  but  the  distribution 
in  the  United  States  is  continued  eastward  to  Pensacola,  Florida. 

Habits. — The  Spiny  Swift  lives  most  frequently  upon  the 
trunks  of  trees,  mostly  on  fallen  timber,  over  which  it  runs 
with  an  amazing  show  of  speed.  Friends  of  the  writer,  who 
have  collected  the  species  in  Mexico,  tell  him  that  it  ascends  the 
trunks  of  trees  with  a  great  alacrity  until  a  short  distance  over 


The  Swifts 

one's  head,  when  it  dodges  from  one  side  of  the  trunk  to  the  other 
as  the  observer  is  trying  to  locate  the  reptile,  keeping  out  of  the 
line  of  vision  in  the  same  fashion  as  a  squirrel.  Like  many  of  the 
swifts,  these  lizards  often  burrow  in  the  sand  at  the  bases  of  the 
trees,  to  pass  the  night.  In  this  habit  they  resemble  the  horned 
lizards  (Pbrynosomd) .  The  majority  of  captives,  if  kept  in  a 
cage  with  a  few  inches  of  gravel,  burrow  just  deep  enough  to  cover 
the  back,  beginning  this  operation  as  the  afternoon  sun  leaves 
their  cage. 

Group  B. — We  now  arrive  at  the  second  group  of  the  Spiny 
Swifts.  There  is  a  single  row  of  large,  supraocular  plates,  with 
a  single  internal  border  and  two  external  borders  of  small  scales. 
The  species  are  of  fair  or  moderate  size. 

Yarrow's  Swift,  Sceloporus  yarrovii,  (Cope),  is  one  of  the 
handsomest  of  the  genus.  Above  it  is  a  dark,  rich  purple,  or 
bluish-black — the  sides  and  limbs  distinctly  bluish.  Each  of 
the  scales  of  the  upper  surface  contains  a  pale  greenish  or  yellow- 
ish spot.  There  is  a  broad,  black  collar  on  the  sides  of  the  neck, 
bordered  by  a  pale  hue.  Behind  this  collar  is  a  V-shaped  band 
of  black,  extending  over  the  shoulders.  The  chin  and  sides 
of  the  abdomen  are  blotched  with  blue.  Dr.  Stejneger  explains 
that  specimens  of  this  lizard,  when  sluggish,  will  assume  an 
almost  blackish  hue  that  is  quite  uniform. 

The  species  attains  a  length  of  8  inches.  The  scales  are 
weakly  keeled  and  not  so  bristling  as  with  others  of  the  gertus. 

Distributions. — Fairly  abundant  in  the  southern  portions 
of  Arizona,  whence  it  appears  to  range  a  short  distance  into 
Mexico.  It  lives  among  rocks  and  takes  refuge  in  fissures  when 
pursued. 

The  Western  Swift,  Sceloporus  biseriatus,  (Hallowell). 
This  is  the  commonest  and  most  widely  distributed  of  the  Western 
species.  It  is  of  moderate  size.  The  scales  are  proportionately 
small,  and  the  scalation,  will,  at  a  glance,  appear  considerably 
finer  and  smoother  than  many  other  Scelopori. 

The  usual  ground  colour  is  light,  greenish-gray.  There 
are  no  indications  of  a  collar.  Across  the  back  are  two  series 
of  distinct,  narrow  and  wavy  bars.  These  are  blackish  and 
narrowly  margined  in  the  rear  with  a  much  paler  hue  than  the 
ground  colour.  The  sides  of  the  abdomen  and  chin  of  the  males 
are  blue — on  very  old  specimens,  blackish. 


The  Swifts 

The  species  somewhat  resembles  the  common  swift  (5. 
undulatus),  but  differs  in  reaching  a  third  larger  size,  having 
proportionately  smaller  and  smoother  scales  and  much  longer 
limbs.  The  specimen  photographed  was  remarkable  in  having 
two  tails. 

Dimensions. — Total  Length 6f  inches. 

Length  of  Tail 3  J      " 

Width  of  Head £      " 

(Not  fully  grown) 

Distribution. — The  Great  Basin  and  the  mountain  ranges 
of  the  Pacific  region  from  Oregon  to  San  Diego  County,  Cali- 
fornia, inclusive  of  both. 

Habits. — Mr.  D.  D.  Streeter  informs  me  that  he  observed 
many  specimens  of  this  lizard  on  the  ground,  in  rocky  districts. 
They  rushed  away  with  great  speed  when  alarmed,  making  for 
the  clefts  under  shelving  rocks  where  they  invariably  defied 
capture. 

Van  Denburgh's  Swift,  Sceloporusvandenburgianus,  (Cope), 
grows  to  a  length  of  only  five  inches.  The  scales  are  proportion- 
ately small. 

Dark  green  above/with  faint  traces  of  a  pale  band  on  each  side, 
and  obscure,  darker  cross-bands  on  the  back.  The  greater  por- 
tion of  the  under  surface  of  the  male  is  blue. 

Distribution. — This  seems  to  be  a  rare  swift  and  confined 
to  southern  California. 

The  Yellow-striped  Swift,  Sceloporus  undulatus,  variety 
consobrinus,  (Baird  &  Girard).  A  variety  of  the  common  swift 
and  abundant  in  many  portions  of  the  Western  States  and  in 
northern  Mexico.  The  very  distinct  stripes,  of  a  pale  hue,  on 
the  sides,  render  it  rather  characteristic.  The  scales  are  small 
and  not  heavily  keeled,  although  their  spiny  tips  are  ^rather 
bristling.  It  represents  one  of  the  smaller  species. 

The  commonest  phase  of  ground  colour  is  greenish-yellow. 
On  each  side  of  the  back  are  two  very  distinct  and  narrow  yel- 
low stripes — the  upper  the  most  vivid,  covering  a  width  of  two 
and  a  half  rows  of  scales  and  separated  from  its  fellow  by  about 
eight  scale  rows.  On  many  specimens  there  is  a  dusky  band 
between  the  stripes,  on  the  sides.  There  are  usually  but  slight 
indications  of  cross-markings  and  these  are  very  fine. 

136 


The  Swifts 

Dimensions. — Total  Length 5  inches. 

Length  of  Fail 2$      " 

Width  of  Body f      " 

Width  of  Head *      " 

Distribution. — The  Yellow-striped  Swift  is  widely  distrib- 
uted. It  occurs  all  over  Texas  and  extends  northward  into 
Nebraska,  southward  well  into  Mexico  and  westward  into 
Utah,  Nevada  and  California. 

Group  C. — The  species  of  group  C  are  very  similar  to  those 
of  the  preceding  division  and  might  appropriately  be  included 
within  it,  but  usually  exhibit  a  wrinkling  of  the  larger  head 
plates,  which  are  corrugated  in  a  longitudinal  direction.  With 
a  genus  like  the  present  one,  beset  with  difficulties  for  the 
beginner,  we  must  take  advantage  of  even  such  slight  characters 
to  assist  in  unravelling  the  general  tangle.  The  members  of 
this  group  show  no  trace  of  a  black  collar. 

The  Variable  Swift,  Sceloporus  varidbilis,  (Wiegmann), 
has  acquired  its  name  from  the  difference  in  colouration  between 
the  male  and  the  female.  The  large  supraocular  plates  are  nu- 
merous and  narrow;  they  are  bordered  externally  by  two  rows 
of  very  small,  almost  granular  scales.  The  larger  lead  plates 
are  strongly  wrinkled — rugose.  The  scales  of  the  body  are  pro- 
portionately small. 

Olive,  or  dark  green,  with  a  pale,  greenish  band  on  each 
side;  two  rows  of  blackish  spots  on  the  back.  The  pale  bands 
are  separated  by  about  fourteen  rows  of  scales. 

Male  specimens  have  an  elongated,  black  ellipse  on  each 
side  of  the  abdomen  and  a  blackish  band  beneath  the  stripes 
on  the  side.  The  females  lack  the  abdominal  black  marking 
and  the  dark  band  on  the  side  as  well.  The  species  attains  a 
moderate  size. 

Distribution. — In  the  United  States  this  swift  seems  to 
be  confined  to  Texas;  in  that  state  it  occurs  as  far  north  as  San 
Antonio.  It  is  common  in  the  eastern  portions  of  Mexico. 

The  Common  Swift,  Sceloporus  undulatus,  (Latrielle),  one 
of  the  smaller  species.  The  scales  are  of  moderate  size,  well- 
keeled  and  moderately  bristling;  most  specimens  have  the  head 
scales  strongly  wrinkled — rugose. 

Gray,  sometimes  brown  or  greenish,  with  narrow  and  wavy 
black  cross-bands  on  the  back — often  in  the  shape  of  irregular 


The  Swifts 

Vs.  On  each  side  of  the  back  is  an  indistinct,  paler  band;  these 
bands  are  about  ten  rows  of  scales  apart. 

The  males  have  a  black  blotch  under  the  chin,  enclosing 
more  or  less  blue,  also  two  large,  bluish  patches  on  the  abdomen. 
There  is  little  or  no  blue  on  the  underside  of  the  female. 

Illustrated. 

Dimensions. — The  measurements  represent  the  average- 
sized  specimen: 

Total  Length 5^  inches. 

Length  of  Tail 2$ 

Width  of  Body f      " 

Width  of  Head T9«,      " 

Distribution. — The  typical  form  occurs  abundantly  from 
the  Atlantic  to  the  Pacific  coasts,  from  about  the  latitude  of  south- 
ern New  Jersey,  southward;  in  the  extreme  West  it  ranges  as 
far  north  as  Oregon. 

Habits. — It  is  in  the  dry  and  sandy  pinelands  of  the  south- 
eastern United  States  that  this  sombre  little  lizard  is  found  in 
the  greatest  numbers.  The  writer  has  taken  many  dozens  of 
specimens  in  the  coast  regions  of  South  Carolina  and  Georgia; 
they  show  a  marked  preference  for  the  fallen  pines  or  sections 
of  cut  timber,  as  about  such  trunks,  with  their  loosening  bark, 
insect  life  is  more  numerous  than  on  the  living  trees.  We  took 
the  largest  numbers  of  specimens  in  the  saw-mill  yards,  for  the 
swifts  were  always  abundant  on  the  piles  of  logs.  Few  spec- 
imens were  observed  running  up  the  living  trees  and  these  were 
usually  lizards  that  had  been  frightened  from  derelict  timber 
and  taken  to  the  tree  in  flight.  Their  movements  upon  a  large, 
fallen  tree  trunk,  were  very  amusing.  When  approached  they 
would  dart  to  the  opposite  side  of  the  trunk  to  that  upon  which 
one  was  approaching.  As  the  collector's  body  loomed  over  the 
trunk  the  lizard  would  shift  its  position  until  it  was  directly 
beneath.  If  every  movement  of  one's  approach  were  slow  and 
cautious,  capture  was  comparatively  simple,  for  all  to  be  done 
was  to  make  a  rapid  grab  with  the  hand  on  the  opposite  side  of 
the  log  from  that  on  which  the  bulk  of  the  collector's  body  ap- 
peared. But  alas!  This  grab  could  not  be  regulated  to  the 
nicety  as  if  you  were  actually  looking  at  your  object,  and,  although 
the  hand  approached  with  lightning-like  rapidity,  the  lizard  started 
away  from  it  at  the  same  rate.  The  result  was,  in  many  cases, 

138 


The  Swifts 

that  you  did  grasp  the  creature,  but  by  the  tail.  A  second 
later  a  dark  object  scurries  over  the  sand  in  direct  line  for  a  tree, 
and  up  it  darts,  while  you  ruefully  examine  a  wriggling  tail  from 
which  the  original  owner  has  twisted  itself  free. 

The  writer  remembers  a  section  in  Fairfax  County,  Vir- 
ginia, that  teemed  with  these  reptiles.  They  were  especially 
abundant  upon  an  old  rail  fence  that  ran  a  mile  or  more  around 
a  pasture.  The  stiles  of  the  fence  were  old  and  weather-stained 
and  the  lizards  were  in  perfect  harmony,  in  their  dull,  gray  tints, 
with  their  surroundings.  These  specimens  were  not  readily 
captured.  They  appeared  to  realise  the  opportunities  of  escape 
offered  by  the  lengthy  span  of  fence.  If  approached  they  darted 
to  the  opposite  side  of  the  fence-rail,  then  ran  for  fifty  feet  or 
more  along  the  fence,  finally  peering  over  to  the  side  of  the  pur- 
suer, but,  if  finding  him  nearby,  repeating  the  performance. 

There  was  another  family  of  lizards  living  on  the  rough 
stonework  of  the  bridge  over  Bull  Run  Creek,  in  Virginia,  and 
these  were  more  elusive  than  the  former  specimens  for  they 
darted  in  and  out  of  the  crevices  between  the  masonry  in  a 
fashion  that  made  capture  impossible. 

Captive  specimens  remain  quite  timid,  but  they  are  hardy 
and  will  live  for  years.  They  require  an  abundance  of  sunlight 
and  a  perfectly  dry  cage.  The  food  should  be  mealworms  and 
other  soft-bodied  insects. 

The  eggs  of  this  species  are  from  three-eighths  of  an  inch  to 
half  an  inch  in  length,  according  to  the  size  of  the  female.  They 
are  oval  and  covered  with  a  very  thin,  papery  shell;  it  is  in- 
dented upon  the  slightest  pressure  of  the  fingers.  The  eggs 
may  be  hatched  by  placing  them  in  moderately  damp — not 
soggy — sphagnum  moss,  and  keeping  them  in  an  ordinary  room 
temperature,  where  their  period  of  incubation  is  from  six  to 
eight  weeks. 

The  Pacific  Swift,  Sceloporus  undulatus,  variety  occiden- 
tals, (Baird),  differs  from  the  typical  form  in  having  more  brist- 
ling scales,  while  the  V-shaped  blotches  of  the  back  are  almost 
solidly  black,  thus  appearing  as  dark  triangles.  This  form  is 
confined  to  the  Pacific  coast  region. 

Thayer's  Swift,  Sceloporus  ihayeri,  (Baird  &  Girard),  seems 
to  be  closely  allied  to  the  preceding,  but  the  pale  bands — one 
on  each  side  of  the  back — are  nearer  together,  or  about  6  to  8 


The  Swifts 

scale  rows  apart,  while  male  specimens  have  two  bluish  patches 
on  the  throat  in  place  of  one,  as  is  usually  the  case  with  the  com- 
mon species.  Moreover,  the  abdominal  plates  of  this  lizard  are 
keeled;  in  this  character  it  is  unique  among  all  the  species  of  the 
genus.  It  is  of  small  size. 

Distribution. — Apparently  restricted  to  southwestern  Texas. 

The  Striped  Swift,  Sceloporus  scalaris,  (Wiegmann),  should 
be  enumerated  among  the  moderate-sized  species.  The  head 
plates  are  strongly  wrinkled  and  the  scales  of  the  body  are  small, 
narrow  and  sharply  pointed. 

Olive  gray,  with  a  very  narrow,  but  vividly  defined  stripe 
of  yellow  or  white  on  each  side  of  the  back,  extending  along  the 
centre  of  a  single  row  of  scales.  These  stripes  are  separated  by 
about  six  or  seven  scale  rows.  Two  rows  of  dusky  crescents 
on  the  back. 

Resembles  the  sage-brush  swift,  (5.  graciosus},  of  Division 
D,  and  several  other  species  that  have  pronounced,  pale  bands 
on  either  side  of  the  back,  but  may  be  distinguished  by  the  very 
narrow  bands,  traversing  the  centre  only,  of  a  single  row  of 
scales.  On  the  other  species  the  bands  either  cover  the  entire 
width  of  a  single  row  of  scales,  or  embrace  a  half  row  of  scales 
each  side  of  the  former.  The  width  between  these  bands  (num- 
ber of  scale  rows)  is  also  an  important  point  to  be  used  in  deter- 
mination. 

The  Striped  Swift  has  a  round,  and  jet  black  spot  at  the 
base  of  the  forelimb. 

Distribution. — Southern  Arizona  and  Mexico  generally. 

Division  D. — In  the  fourth  group  of  those  species  of  Spiny 
Swifts  that  occur  within  the  limits  of  the  United  States,  we 
have  our  largest  and  most  showy  species  and  one  other,  of  con- 
siderably smaller  size.  With  these  two  species  there  are  two 
rows  of  the  large,  supraocular  plates  over  each  eye,  bordered 
internally  by  a  single  row  of  smaller  scales  and  externally  by 
one  or  two  rows. 

The  Collared  Swift,  Sceloporus  torquatus,  variety  poinsettii, 
(Baird  &  Girard),  is  a  northerly  phase  of  a  Mexican  species.  It 
is  characterised  by  a  broad,  jet-black  collar,  bordered  on  each 
side  with  yellow  and  extending  entirely  around  the  upper  surface 
of  the  neck. 

The  general  proportions  of  this  fine  swift  are  illustrated  by 

140 


The  Swifts 

the  photo  of  an  adult  specimen  upon  a  man's  hand.  The  form 
is  stout  and  heavy,  the  tail  short  and  blunt,  while  the  scales 
are  exceedingly  coarse,  with  needle-like  bristling  points,  a  char- 
acter as  pronounced  on  the  tail  as  the  formation  of  the  spinous 
stalks  of  many  plants.  When  the  scales  are  examined  individu- 
ally, they  appear  like  feathers — being  sharply  serrated  along 
their  edges. 

The  colouration  of  the  body  is  dull  olive,  brown  or  gray, 
with  indistinct  and  wavy  cross-bands  on  the  back,  at  a  con- 
siderable distance  apart.  Around  the  neck  is  a  broad,  jet-black 
collar,  bordered  on  either  side  with  yellow.  The  chin  of  male 
specimens  is  blue  and  there  is  a  bluish  patch  on  each  side  of  the 
abdomen.  From  the  other  species  of  swifts  occuring  within 
the  United  States  and  showing  traces  of  a  black  collar,  this 
lizard  may  be  told  by  the  collar  being  complete  above. 

Dimensions. — Total  Length 9^  inches. 

Length  of  Tail 4^ 

Diameter  of  Tail,  at  base £       " 

Width  of  Body if 

Width  of  Head ij 

Distribution. — Southern  Arizona,  New  Mexico,  southwest- 
ern Texas  and  northern  Mexico.  Dwells  principally  in  rocky 
places. 

The  Sage-brush  Swift,  Sceloporus  graciosus,(Eaird  &  Girard), 
differs  from  the  preceding  not  only  in  its  considerably  smaller 
size,  but  in  colouration.  The  scalation  of  the  head  is  quite 
similar,  but  the  scales  of  the  body  are  proportionately  small. 
The  ground  colour  is  brown  or  olive.  On  each  side  are  two  dis- 
tinct, yellow  stripes,  these  enclosing  a  dusky  band.  On  each 
side  of  the  back  is  a  series  of  dark  and  narrow  crescents.  Be- 
tween the  stripes  on  the  sides,  is  another  series,  of  similar  size. 
All  of  these  crescents  are  bordered  at  their  rear  with  yellow, 
this  hue  greatly  accentuating  their  outline.  In  front  of  the 
forelimb  and  almost  in  contact  with  its  base,  is  a  round,  black 
spot.  The  abdomen  of  male  specimens  is  marked  with  two 
blue  blotches  and  the  chin  is  tinted  with  the  same  colour. 

Resembles  the  striped  swift  (S.  scalaris),  but  may  be  at 
once  separated  by  the  scale  formula  of  the  head  and  the  smooth- 
ness of  the  larger  head  plates. 

141 


The  Swifts 

Distribution. — Abundant  in  the  Great  Basin.  It  occurs 
as  far  north  as  Oregon  and  is  common  in  the  mountains  of  eastern 
California,  Idaho,  Nevada  and  Utah  to  an  altitude  of  8,000  feet; 
most  abundant  on  the  sage-covered  plateaus.  Southward 
it  extends  through  the  deserts,  into  northern  Mexico. 

Regarding  identification. — At  no  part  of  this  chapter  has  the 
writer  gone  into  elaborate  details  concerning  the  possible 
necessity  of  a  distinct,  varietal  name  for  certain  variations,  or 
combating  the  validity  of  some  species  that  bear  a  close  resem- 
blance to  others.  Before  commencing  the  chapter,  he  examined 
a  large  series  of  specimens  and  compared  the  various  species  with 
the  technical  descriptions  in  the  regular  works  of  scientific  nomen- 
clature. His  decisions  resulted  at  the  time,  in  omitting  certain 
alleged  species  that  he  did  not  consider  strong  and  distinct. 
That  part  of  the  work  was  then  looked  upon  as  a  closed  chapter, 
and  it  is  not  the  writer's  idea  to  burden  the  student  with  long 
explanations  as  to  how  he  arrived  upon  the  list  of  species  as 
they  stand.  The  point  has  been  to  treat  a  very  confusing  genus 
in  a  manner  that  will  present  it  to  the  student  from  the  stand- 
point of  a  bird's-eye  view.  The  genus  Sceloporus  is  worthy  of 
an  elaborate  monograph,  but  the  proper  compilation  of  this 
would  take  half  a  lifetime  and  study  of  the  combined  collections 
in  the  museums  of  the  world — besides  many  additional  specimens 
to  solve  certain  problems  now  standing. 

In  comparing  specimens  of  Sceloporus  the  student  should 
count  the  scale  rows,  note  the  proportionate  size  of  the  body 
scales,  study  the  head  plates  and  compare  the  colouration  of 
one  series  with  another.  The  locality  is  also  an  important 
factor  and  will  aid  in  the  case  of  old  specimens  of  exceedingly 
brilliant  colours,  as  the  dots  and  splashes  of  brilliant  hues  will 
fit  into  none  of  the  descriptions.  An  occasional  specimen,  will 
exhibit  a  head  scalation  that  seems  to  be  outside  the  definitions 
of  all  the  divisions.  In  such  a  case,  locality  counts  and  helps 
in  removing  the  puzzling  individual  from  its  indefinite  status. 


142 


CHAPTER  XVII:   THE  HORNED   LIZARDS 
GENUS   PHRYNOSOMA 

A  Genus  of  Lizards  that  are  Most  Commonly  Known  as  the 
Horned  "Toads" 

FROM  all  the  other  genera  of  the  North  American  Lizards, 
the  Horned  Toads  are  very  distinct.  Their  very  wide,  much- 
flattened  and  toad-like  bodies,  the  short  tail  and  the  develop- 
ment among  most  of  the  species  of  sharp,  conical  horns  upon 
the  back  of  the  head  and  the  temples  are  unique  characters. 
The  scalation  is  also  peculiar,  as  the  back  is  covered  with  minute, 
granular  scales,  among  which  rise,  almost  vertically — greatly 
enlarged  and  sharply-pointed  scales,  which  are  imbedded  like 
miniature  pyramids  at  their  bases.  Altogether,  these  lizards 
are  so  spiny  in  their  general  make-up  as  to  appear  quite  formidable 
to  the  observer  uninitiated  in  their  habits. 

The  Horned  Lizards  are  found  only  in  the  western  portions 
of  the  United  States  and  in  Mexico.  The  number  of  species 
generally  recognised  is  17,  of  which  4  are  exclusively  Mexican. 
Several  other  species  occur  commonly  in  Mexico  and  range  but 
a  very  short  distance  northward  over  the  boundary  line  of  the 
United  States. 

Owing  to  the  fact  that  the  ear  drum  of  several  species  is 
covered  with  a  thin  skin  studded  with  minute  scales,  certain 
writers  have  seen  fit  to  place  these  in  a  separate  genus — Anota. 
This  character  appeals  to  the  writer  as  too  superficial  for  the 
division  of  these  peculiar  lizards  into  two  genera  and  he  has 
decided  to  include  them  all  under  the  head  of  Phrynosoma. 

In  studying  the  species  of  this  genus,  the  following  char- 
acters should  be  observed,  (i)  The  formations  and  propor- 
tionate length  of  the  head  spines.  (2)  The  character  of  the 
spines  upon  the  back  and  whether  these  are  surrounded  by  a 
rosette  of  smaller  spines,  at  their  bases.  (3)  The  character  and 
number  of  rows  (whether  one  or  two)  of  fringes  of  spiny  scales 


The  Horned  Lizards 

along  the  edge  of  the  body.  (4)  Whether  the  scales  of  the  ab- 
domen are  smooth  or  keeled.  (5)  The  arrangement  (if  any) 
of  enlarged  scales  upon  the  chin.  This  latter  character  is  a 
valuable  one. 

Habits. — Unlike  the  vast  majority  of  lizards,  the  Horned 
"Toads"  are  viviparous — producing  living  young  and  to  the 
number  of  from  six  to  a  dozen.  The  young  are  born  in  the  same 
fashion  as  the  viviparous  snakes.  They  are  encased  in  a  trans- 
parent envelope  through  which  they  soon  break.  They  are  at 
once  active  and  fully  able  to  care  for  themselves.  At  birth  they 
possess  rudimentary  horns  and  do  not  exhibit  the  rough,  spiny 
appearance  of  the  parent.  In  an  illustration  accompany- 
ing this  chapter  the  size  of  the  newly  born  young  may  be  com- 
pared to  that  of  the  parent. 

The  Horned  Lizards  are  creatures  of  hot  and  dry,  sandy 
or  sub-arid  situations.  Many  of  the  species  inhabit  the  deserts 
proper  where  the  sun,  beating  without  obstruction  upon  ground 
destitute  of  moisture,  produces  a  heat  practically  unendurable  to 
the  human.  In  these  burning,  silent  and  desolate  wastes  of  the 
Southwest,  the  little  waifs  of  the  sand  dart  here  and  there  with 
wonderful  rapidity,  subsisting  entirely  upon  insect  life.  It  is 
during  that  part  of  the  day  when  the  sun  is  at  its  highest  that 
they  display  the  most  vivacity.  Long  before  the  sunset,  while 
the  heat  waves  yet  quiver  upward  from  the  bleached  soil,  they 
prepare  themselves  for  the  night.  This  is  a  curious  process. 
The  little  creature  imbeds  its  nose  in  the  sand  like  the  blade 
of  a  plow,  when  it  quickly  works  its  way  forward  a  few  inches, 
scooping  vigorously  with  the  head  in  order  to  produce  a  furrow. 
Thus  having  worked  its  way  a  little  distance  into  the  sand  it  flattens 
the  body  and  employing  the  sharp,  spiny  borders  of  its  sides 
in  shovel-like  fashion,  digs  its  way  deeper  and  casts  the  sand 
over  its  back.  The  head  is  again  employed,  then  the  sides  again 
and  finally  the  queer  little  reptile  is  entirely  covered.  Some- 
times it  digs  its  way  some  two  or  three  inches  beneath  the  sur- 
face. At  other  times — and  more  frequently — the  back  is  covered 
but  the  top  of  the  head  is  visible  and  just  level  with  the  surface 
of  the  sand. 

In  several  ways  these  reptiles  are  so  toad-like  that  the  original 
and  popular  name  may  be  readily  appreciated.  The  method 
of  eating  is  much  like  that  of  the  toad,  a  condition  strengthened 

144 


THE  REPTILE  BOOK 


PLATE  XLVI 


*3  14  15 

HEADS  OF  HORNED   LIZARDS,  Phrynosoma 
5    Hernandez's  Horned  Lizard,  P.  dovglassii  hernandezi.  0,13    Texas  Horned  Liiaiid  'P.  c.>rnu.u,n. 


2,  6    Douglass's  Horned  Lizard,  P.  douglassii  (typical). 

3,  7    Ditmars's  Homed  Lizard,  P.  ditmarsii. 

4,  8    Mexican  Horned  Lizard,  P.  orbiculare. 


10,  14    Ashy  Horned  Lizard,  P.  calidiarum. 

11,15    Regal  Horned  Lizard,  P.  regale. 

12,  16    Pacific  Horned  Lizard,  P-  coronatum. 


PLATE  XLVII 


THE  REPTILE  BOOK. 


DOUGLASS'S   HORNED   LIZARD,  Phrynosoma  douglassii 

merr  tubercles.    Inhabits  the  northern  Pacific  region 
The  horns  are  reduced  to  mere 


PAINTED  HORNED  LIZARD,  P.  douglassii  ornattssu 
This  desert  variety  shows  in  its  markings  remarkabk 
similarity  to  the  soil 


HERNANDEZ'S  HORNED  LIZARD,  P.  douglassii hernandesi 

On  this  variety  the  horns  are  much  more  developed  than  with 

the  typical  form.    Common  in  the  Western  Plains  region 


The  Horned  Lizards 

by  the  character  of  the  tongue.  The  Horned  Lizards  do  not 
procure  their  prey  by  a  scampering  rush  as  do  the  majority  of 
the  North  American  lacertilians.  In  coming  in  close  proximity 
to  the  food,  the  head  is  bent  deliberately,  the  thick,  viscid  tongue 
is  quickly  protruded  and  like  a  flash  the  morsel  has  disappeared 
within  the  lizard's  mouth.  Although  these  actions  are  very 
toad-like,  all  similarity  to  the  movements  of  the  batrachian 
may  a  few  seconds  later  be  dispelled,  when  the  lizard,  taking 
fright,  darts  away  with  the  speed  of  a  startled  mouse. 

If  caught  and  handled,  the  average  horned  "toad"  is  rather 
a  spiritless  creature.  It  seldom  attempts  to  bite,  although  it 
may  vigorously  employ  the  spines  of  the  head  in  an  endeavour 
to  produce  injury  which  is  quite  impossible,  beyond  a  superficial 
scrarch.  The  average  specimen  shuts  its  eyes  and  feigns  a  state 
of  indifference,  or  death.  Some  specimens  puff  up  prodigiously, 
while  others  perform  to  the  extreme  reverse,  flattening  the  body 
to  such  an  extent  that  they  seem  devoid  of  internal  organs.  Oc- 
casional specimens,  when  handled,  exhibit  a  remarkable  habit. 
This  consists  of  the  ejection  of  jets  of  blood  from  the  corner 
of  the  eye.  It  was  after  examining  several  hundred  specimens, 
that  the  writer's  inclination  to  become  sceptical  about  the  alleged 
habit  suddenly  received  a  startling  reverse.  He  received  an 
unusually  large  and  fat  specimen  of  a  Mexican  species — Phryno- 
soma  orbiculare,  of  a  rich,  reddish  hue — almost  a  crimson.  After 
photographing  the  specimen,  it  was  measured.  The  latter 
process  seemed  to  greatly  excite  the  creature.  It  finally  threw 
the  head  slightly  upward,  the  neck  became  rigid,  the  eyes  bulged 
from  the  sockets,  when  there  was  a  distinct  sound  like  that  pro- 
duced if  one  presses  the  tongue  against  the  roof  of  the  mouth 
and  forces  a  small  quantity  of  air  forward.  This  rasping  sound, 
consuming  but  the  fraction  of  a  second,  was  accompanied  by  a 
jet  of  blood  at  great  pressure.  It  hit  the  wall,  four  feet  away, 
at  the  same  level  as  that  of  the  reptile.  The  duration  of  the 
flow  of  blood  appeared  to  be  about  one  and  a  half  seconds  and 
toward  its  termination  the  force  gradually  diminished,  as  noted 
by  a  course  of  drops  down  the  wall  and  along  the  floor  to  a  posi- 
tion almost  under  the  spot  where  the  reptile  had  been  held. 
The  stream  of  blood  seemed  to  be  as  fine  as  a  horse-hair  and  to 
issue  from  the  eye-lid,  which  was  momentarily  much  swollen. 
For  some  time  after  the  performance  the  eyes  were  tightly  closed 


The  Horned  Lizards 

and  nothing  could  induce  the  lizard  to  open  them.  Within 
two  minutes  after  it  was  placed  on  the  ground  the  protruding 
aspect  of  the  eye-balls  and  the  swelling  of  the  eye-lids  had  dis- 
appeared. 

Most  surprising  was  the  amount  of  blood  expended.  The 
wall  and  floor  showed  a  course  of  thickly-sprinkled  spots  about 
one  eighth  of  an  inch  in  diameter.  There  were  103  of  these  spots. 

In  captivity  the  Horned  Lizards  are  highly  interesting  and 
will  long  survive  if  properly  cared  for.  They  require  a  screen 
cage,  of  fair  dimensions,  with  several  inches  of  fine  sand  (building 
sand)  and  must  be  kept  dry  and  very  warm.  A  flood  of  sun- 
shine, for  the  greater  part  of  the  day,  is  absolutely  necessary 
to  keep  them  in  good  health  and  feeding.  Without  the  sun 
they  exhibit  a  general  lassitude  and  feed  indifferently.  Water 
should  be  given  them  in  very  shallow  dishes,  sunk  in  the  sand, 
but  care  should  be  taken  in  filling  these  that  the  sand  itself  is 
not  moistened.  Mealworms,  which  may  be  obtained  at  any 
bird  store,  form  a  good  food,  but  specimens  are  also  fond  of  ants, 
small,  soft-bodied  grubs,  roaches,  grasshoppers  and  crickets. 
They  will  not  eat  earthworms. 

A  key  to  the  genus  follows: 

Division  I.    Head  spines  rudimentary  or  small — represented 
by  mere  tubercular  scales,  or  spines  that  are  little  longer 
than  the  horizontal  diameter  of  eye-opening. 
Area  inside  of  the  two  large  rows  of  plates  on  chin,  com- 
posed of  small,  uniform  scales. 
a.  Ear  drum  exposed. 

f  A  single  row  of  spiny,  marginal  scales  on  body. 
Head   spines    reduced   to   tubercles,    or    with   some 
varieties,  spines  that  are  shorter   than   the  diameter 
of  the  eye. 

DOUGLASS'S  HORNED  "TOAD,"  P.  douglassii — and  varieties. 
Central  head  spines  about  equal  in  length  to  th§  hori- 
zontal diameter  of  eye-opening. 

MEXICAN  HORNED  "TOAD,"  P.  orbiculare. 
ft  No  fringe  of  spiny  scales  on  sides. 
Central  head  spines  about  length  of   diameter  of  eye- 
opening.     Abdominal  scales  smooth. 

LITTLE    HORNED    "TOAD, "  P.  modestum. 

No  head  spines.  Head  very  wide  and  flat  at  the  tem- 
ples, with  ridges  forming  crown-like  process  above. 
Abdominal  scales  keeled. 

DITMARS'S  HORNED  "  TOAD,"  P.  ditmarsii. 
146 


The  Horned  Lizards 

b.  Ear  drum  covered  with  granular  scales. 
Head  spines  rudimentary.     Body  spines  little  developed. 
Colour  pinkish  or  dull  red. 

SMOOTH   HORNED   "TOAD,"  P.  platyrhinum. 
Division  II.     Head  spines  well  developed. 

a.  Ear  drum  covered  with  granular  scales. 

t  A  single  series  of  marginal,  spiny  scales. 

Size  rather  small;   head  proportionately  small,  with 

large,  central  spines  directed  upward. 

ASHY  HORNED  "TOAD,"  P.  calidiarum. 
ft  Two   series  of   marginal  spiny  scales,  the  lower  but 

slightly  developed. 

Head  spines  moderate.  No  enlarged  scales  on  central 
portion  of  chin. 

GOODE'S  HORNED  "TOAD,"  P.  goodei. 
Head  spines  large.     Two  rows  of  slightly  enlarged  scales 
on  central  portion  of  chin. 

MACCALL'S  HORNED  "TOAD,"  P.  maccallii. 

b.  Ear  drum  exposed. 

*  A  row  of  large,    projecting   plates    beneath    each 
series    of    lower    labials,    and    between    these,    two 
double  rows  or  triple  rows  of  enlarged  scales. 
Head   spines   large,   of   regular   arrangement. 
One  series  of  marginal  spines. 

CERROS  ISLAND  HORNED  "TOAD,"  P.  cerroense. 
Head   spines    large,   of   regular    arrangement.      Body 
spines  very  bristling.     Two  series  of  marginal  spines, 
of  equal  length. 

PACIFIC   HORNED    "TOAD,"  P.   COTOnatum. 

Four  large  central  horns  and  three  upon  each  temple, 
forming  a  perfect  circlet  or  crown  upon  the  rear  of 
head.  One  large  and  one  very  small  series  of  mar- 
ginal, spiny  scales  on  sides  of  body. 

REGAL    HORNED    "TOAD,"  P.  regale. 

**A  row  of  large,  projecting  plates  beneath  each  series 
of  lower  labials;  between  these,  two  single  rows  of  en- 
larged scales. 

Two  large,  central  head  spines,  directed  upward; 
three  temporal  spines. 

TEXAS    HORNED    "TOAD,"  P.  COmutum. 

Concerning  a  name. — Thus  far,  in  this  chapter,  the  writer 
has  used  freely  the  name  "horned  toad,"  but  he  realises  how 
inappropriate  is  that  appellation  in  connection  with  a  genus  of 
lizards.  However,  he  feels,  that  to  introduce  the  beginner  to 
any  group  of  reptiles,  it  is  best  to  employ  a  well-known,  popular 
title  at  the  start.  Now  that  we  understand  our  subjects,  let  us 

H7 


The  Horned  Lizards 

altogether  drop  this  misleading  title  and  call  these  creatures 
the  horned  lizards,  as  they  literally  are.  Among  the  batra- 
chians  there  are  actually  a  number  of  species  of  horned  toads— 
true  horned  toads.  The  South  American  genus  Ceratophrys 
furnishes  startling  examples  in  size  and  grotesque  development. 
Thus  we  can  understand  why  the  name  "horned  toads,"  if  ap- 
plied to  the  present  genus  of  lizards,  might  be  very  misleading 
to  a  general  naturalist. 

A  descriptive  list  of  the  Horned  Lizards  follows: 

DOUGLASS'S  HORNED  LIZARD 

Pbrynosoma  douglassii,  (Bell) 

Of  the  first  group  comprising  the  greater  portion  of  this 
genus — the  members  possessing  an  exposed  ear  drum — Douglass's 
Horned  Lizard  exhibits  the  most  rudimentary  horns.  Three 
phases  of  this  species  may  be  recognised.  With  the  typical 
form  and  one  of  the  varieties,  the  horns  are  reduced  to  mere 
tubercles.  The  third  phase  has  very  short  horns — shorter  than 
the  horizontal  diameter  of  the  eye.  The  limbs  are  proportion- 
ately shorter  than  of  the  other  horned  lizards. 

As  the  accompanying  illustrations  very  clearly  delineate 
the  various  characters  of  the  three  phases,  elaborate  details 
would  be  superfluous. 

These  points  distinguish  the  three  varieties;  all  of  which 
have  smooth  abdominal  scales,  and  small,  equal-sized  scales 
upon  the  chin: 

Size  small,  limbs  short.     Horns  reduced  to  tubercles. 

Snout  very  blunt. 

DOUGLASS'S  HORNED  LIZARD,  P.  douglassii,  typical,  Bell. 
Length  of  adult. — 4!  inches. 

Distribution. — The    northern    and    Pacific   district 

including  the  slopes  of  the  Sierra  Nevada  Range. 

Size  moderate.     Horns   more  developed,   although  of 

tubercular  form.   Pattern  vivid.    Snout  more  pointed. 

ORNATE  HORNED  LIZARD,  P.  douglassii,  variety  ornatissi- 

[mum,  Girard. 
Length  of  adult. — 5!  inches. 

Distribution. — Desert  regions  and  dry  plateaus  east 
of  the  Sierra  Nevada  Range,  from  Canada  to 
Mexico. 


THE  REPTILE  BOOK 


PLATE  XLVIII 


DITMARS'S  HORNED  LIZARD,  Phrynosoma  ditmarsii 

The  horns  are  reduced  to  tubercles  and  the  back  lacks  the  spiny  aspect  of  most  of  the  species.     Has  been  found 

in  northern  Sonora,  Mexico 


MEXICAN  HORNED  LIZARD,  Phrynosoma  orbictdart 
A  large  Mexican  species.     Most  examples  are  of  a  dull  red  hue 


THE  REPTILE  BOOK 


PLATE  XLK 


REGAL  HORXED  LIZARD,  Phrynosoma  regale 

A  showy  species  of  the  southwestern  deserts.     The  only  member  of  its  genus  having  four  central  occipital  horns.     These  and 
the  temporal  horns  produce  the  effect  of  a  circlet  or  crown.     The  horns  are  often  pinkish 


«* 


PACIFIC  HORNED  LIZARD,  Phrynosoma  coronatum 

Most  nearly  allied  to  the  Regal  Horned  Liprd,  but  differing  in  the  more  elongate  body,  the  thicker  and  longer  tail,  and  in  having 
only  two   occipital   horns.     Inhabits   southern  California  and  Lower  California 


The  Horned  Lizards 

Size  moderate.      Horns  more  developed  and  nearly  as 

long  as  the  horizontal  diameter  of  the  eye. 
HERNANDEZ'S  HORNED  LIZARD,  P.  douglassii,  variety  ler- 

\nandesi,  Girard. 
Length  of  adult. — 5 \  inches. 

Distribution. — The  Great  Plains  and  Rocky  Moun- 
tain district  generally — an  abundant  form. 

This  species  is  interesting  in  demonstrating,  in  all  its  phases, 
the  remarkable  similarity  of  the  colour  of  individuals  to  the 
soil  on  which  they  live.  It  is  illustrated  to  an  extraordinary 
degree  with  specimens  found  in  areas  where  the  soil  is  of  an 
unusual  shade.  Several  specimens  of  the  desert  form  ornatissi- 
mum  collected  for  the  writer  were  examined  with  surprise;  they 
were  distinctly  pink,  with  white  spots.  A  letter  received  from  the 
collector  contained  the  following  explanation:  "The  horned  toads 
sent  you  were  taken  in  a  region  where  the  soil  was  pinkish,  scattered 
with  fine  white  pebbles.  They  were  very  difficult  to  see,  unless  mov- 
ing. Dr.  Stejneger  described  specimens  of  the  typical  form  from 
the  San  Francisco  Mountains,  that  exactly  match  in  their  ground 
colour  the  soil  and  rocks,  while  their  paler  markings  are  perfect 
imitations  of  the  lichens  covering  the  rocks.  He  further  explains 
that  even  more  remarkable  are  the  specimens  collected  by  Dr. 
Merriam  in  a  black  lava  belt.  These  specimens  were  satiny  black, 
with  rich,  yellow  markings — even  the  gloss  of  the  lava  was  imi- 
tated. A  female  specimen  of  this  phase  and  her  young  are  fig- 
ured in  an  accompanying  photograph. 

Through  the  courtesy  of  D.  D.  Streeter,  Jr.,  the  writer 
has  received  a  number  of  living  female  specimens  of  the  variety 
lernandesi,  from  Wyoming.  This  afforded  an  admirable  op- 
portunity of  studying  the  young  horned  lizards,  which  are  pro- 
duced alive  and  a  few  minutes  after  birth  are  able  to  scurry  over 
the  ground  with  an  agility  equal  to  that  of  the  parent.  The 
average  brood  of  young  among  these  specimens  numbered  ten. 
The  young  creatures  appeared  quite  smooth.  Their  skin  was 
soft  and  delicate.  All  of  these  young  reptiles  were  born  during 
the  early  part  of  September. 

THE  MEXICAN  HORNED  LIZARD 

Phrynosoma  orbiculare,  (Wiegmann) 

This  species  falls  readily  into  the  first  group  of  the  genus, 
by  reason  of  its  short  horns  and  exposed  ear  drums.  The  scales 

149 


The  Horned  Lizards 

of  the  abdomen  are  smooth,  and  the  chin  scales  are  small  and 
regular  with  no  enlarged  rows.  The  enlarged  scales  of  the  back 
are  but  slightly  bristling. 

The  horns  are  barely  larger  than  those  of  Hernandez's 
Horned  Lizard;  the  central  horns  are  the  larger  and  of  about 
the  same  length  as  the  horizontal  diameter  of  the  eye  opening. 
As  with  Douglass's  Horned  Lizard  and  its  varieties,  there  is  a 
single  row  of  spiny,  marginal  scales  on  the  side  of  the  body. 

Colouration. — Dark  reddish  brown  above,  with  four  trans- 
verse brown  or  black  spots  on  each  side  of  a  pale  band  from 
the  back  of  the  head  to  the  tail;  these  spots  are  generally 
bordered  with  yellow.  The  tail  is  banded.  The  abdomen  is 
yellow,  spotted  or  marbled  with  black. 

Dimensions. — Total  Length 5}  inches. 

Length  of  Tail,  Male, 2j       " 

Greatest  Width  of  Body if 

Length  of  Central  Horns £      " 

The  tail  of  the  female  is  much  shorter  than  that  of  the  male. 

Distribution. — Extreme  southern  Arizona — possibly  New 
Mexico  and  southwestern  Texas.  Northern  and  central  Mexico, 
generally. 

THE  REGAL  HORNED  LIZARD 

Phrynosoma  regale,  (Girard) 

In  every  character,  this  is  the  finest  species  of  the  genus. 
It  attains  a  considerable  size  (for  the  genus)  and  the  circlet 
of  large,  flat  spines  upon  the  rear  of  the  head  at  once  impart  a 
unique  aspect.  There  are  four  large  central  head  spines  and 
three  spines  upon  each  temple.  All  of  these  spines  or  horns 
are  in  such  perfect  alignment  that  a  crown-like  effect  is  pro- 
duced. 

Of  all  the  species  of  Phrynosoma,  this  stands  unique  in"  the 
possession  of  four  central  head  spines  (occipital  spines).  The 
plates  beneath  and  parallel  with  the  lower  lip  plates  (labials') 
are  exceedingly  projecting.  There  are  two  rows  of  enlarged  scales 
on  each  side  of  the  chin.  The  scales  of  the  abdomen  are  smooth. 
There  is  a  single  row  of  spine-like  scales  along  the  side,  and 
beneath  this,  for  a  portion  of  the  body's  length,  a  much  smaller 
fringe. 


The  Horned  Lizards 

The  large  scales  of  the  back  have  four  keels,  which  combine 
in  forming  a  sharp  point. 

Colouration. — Pale  brown,  with  a  narrow,  pale  band  on 
the  back.  There  are  two  obscure,  dark  blotches  on  the  neck 
and  three  or  four  dark  blotches  on  each  side  of  the  back.  All 
the  markings  are  obscure.  Beneath,  the  colour  is  yellowish 
white,  with  or  without  spots. 

Dimensions. — Total  Length  (Grows  to  7  inches). .  .    5}  inches. 

Length  of  Tail if       " 

Greatest  Width  of  Body 2\ 

Length  of  Outer  Pair  of  Central  Horns  f 

Distribution. — Southern  Arizona — the  Gila  and  Colorado 
Deserts;  Sonora,  Mexico. 

This  species  has  usually  been  considered  Very  rare  and  is 
seldom  seen  in  collections,  and  the  writer  was  much  surprised 
to  examine  a  dozen  living  specimens,  received  in  one  shipment, 
from  Phoenix,  Arizona,  that  had  been  collected  by  Mr.  George 
F.  Breninger.  Following  is  a  portion  of  a  letter  from  Mr.  Brenin- 
ger: 

"The  horned  toad  I  am  now  sending  you  is  the  true  form  of 
the  desert."  (This  refers  to  a  specimen  of  Phrynosoma  calidiaru m) . 
"  It  is  quite  a  different  'toad'  from  those  taken  about  the  city" 
(P.  regale)  "which,  I  believe,  have  been  brought  from  elsewhere, 
for  ten  years  ago  they  were  rare." 

The  writer  has  also  received  several  specimens  of  the  Regal 
Horned  Lizard  from  Tucson,  Arizona.  These  were  especially 
large  specimens,  with  quite  distinct  markings  and  pink  horns. 

Habits. — As  a  captive,  this  is  one  of  the  most  hardy  species 
of  the  horned  lizards.  When  handled  it  tries  to  defend  itself 
by  thrusting  its  head  upward  and  backward,  thus  bringing  the 
spines  vigorously  into  contact  with  one's  fingers. 

CERROS  ISLAND  HORNED  LIZARD 

Phrynosoma  cerroense,  (Stejneger) 

The  present  species  seems  to  be  closely  allied  to  the  Pacific 
Horned  Lizard,  from  which  it  differs  in  having  but  a  single  row 
of  the  spiny,  marginal  scales,  and  having  rounded  horns.  There 
are  two  central  horns,  and  three  successively  enlarged  horns 
on  each  temple.  On  each  side  of  the  chin  are  three  rows  of 
enlarged  scales.  The  abdominal  scales  are  smooth. 


The  Horned  Lizards 


Colouration.  —  Brownish  gray.  A  dark  patch  on  each  side 
of  the  neck,  and  three  irregular  cross-bands  on  the  back.  Ab- 
domen cream  colour,  with  dusky  spots. 


Dimensions.  —  Total  Length  ...................  4^  inches. 

Length  of  Head  and  Body 


Distribution.  —  The  type  specimen  was  taken  on  Cerros 
Island,  off  the  west  coast  of  Lower  California  at  about  the  mid- 
dle of  the  peninsula.  The  species  has  not  been  found  elsewhere. 

THE  PACIFIC  HORNED  LIZARD;  CALIFORNIA  HORNED 

LIZARD 

Phrynosoma  coronatum,  (Blainville) 

The  Pacific  Horned  Lizard  is  narrower  of  body  than  other 
species  and  the  proportionately  longer  tail  accentuates  this 
character.  The  large  and  numerous  spiny  scales  of  the  back 
and  tail,  impart  by  much  the  most  bristling  appearance  of 
any  of  the  North  American  species.  There  are  two  large,  cen- 
tral head  spines,  and  three  successively  larger  spines  on  each 
temple.  All  of  the  horns  are  flat.  There  are  from  three  to 
four  rows  of  enlarged  scales  on  each  side  of  the  central  line  of 
the  chin.  On  each  side  of  the  body  are  two  rows  of  fringe-like 
spiny  scales,  the  upper  series  the  larger.  The  scales  of  the  breast 
and  abdomen  are  smooth. 

Some  specimens  have  one,  some  two  rows  of  spiny  mar- 
ginal scales  on  the  tail.  Upon  this  variation  was  based  a  species 
known  technically  as  Phrynosoma  blainvillei,  (Gray).  As  other 
distinctive  characters  are  lacking  and  as  specimens  of  this  alleged 
species  show  the  same  peculiar  body  outlines  of  this  very  dis- 
tinct Western  lizard,  we  must  place  the  name  in  the  category 
of  a  synonym,  under  the  head  of  the  present  species. 

Colouration.  —  Pale  grayish  or  brown  above,  with  a  large, 
reddish-brown  patch  on  each  side  of  the  nape;  three,  transverse 
bands  of  similar  colour  on  the  back,  often  bordered  in  the  rear 
with  white  or  yellow  spots.  Abdomen  yellow,  with  dusky  gray 
patches.  Many  examples  have  horns  of  a  decidedly  pinkish 
tinge. 

Dimensions.  —  The  measurements  given  are  of  an  adult 
specimen  from  San  Diego  County,  California: 

152 


The  Horned  Lizards 

Total  Length 6£  inches. 

Length  of  Tail 2^  " 

Greatest  Width  of  Body.. if 

Length  of  Central  Horns |  " 

The  tail  is  very  broad  at  the  base  and  tapers  very  gradually 
for  the  greater  part  of  its  length. 

Distribution. — Southern  portion  of  the  Pacific  region.  The 
ranges  of  the  species  is  from  immediately  south  of  San  Fran- 
cisco, southward  into  the  peninsula  of  Lower  California  and 
into  Sonora,  Mexico.  It  is  particularly  abundant  in  the  desert 
regions  of  San  Diego  County,  California. 

Habits. — A  very  hardy  lizard  in  captivity.  Of  the  various 
species  of  Phrynosoma  observed  by  the  writer,  specimens  of  this 
reptile  have  lived  the  longest  and  adapted  themselves  most 
readily  to  captivity.  They  are  very  fond  of  mealworms,  but 
will  also  take  ants,  grasshoppers  and  crickets. 

THE  TEXAS  HORNED  LIZARD 
Phrynosoma  cornutum,  (Harlan) 

Most  widely  distributed  and  abundant  of  all  the  horned 
lizards.  It  is  the  proverbial  horned  "toad"  brought  back  by 
the  Eastern  traveller  from  his  trip  to  Texas. 

The  head  spines  are  large.  There  are  two  central  horns, 
rounded  and  directed  rather  sharply  upward.  On  each  temple 
are  three  successively  larger  horns,  the  last  or  rear  one  slightly 
smaller  than  the  central  pair  (occipital  horns').  Slightly  beneath 
the  lower  lip  plates  (labials')  is  a  row  of  enlarged  and  projecting 
plates.  On  each  side  of  the  central  region  of  the  chin  is  a  single 
row  of  enlarged  scales.  Among  the  great  majority  of  specimens, 
the  scales  of  the  abdomen  are  keeled;  a  few  have  faintly  keeled 
or  smooth  scales.  There  are  two  well-developed  series  of  mar- 
ginal, spiny  scales. 

This  is  a  very  stout,  rounded  species,  with  a  small,  thin 
tail.  Its  outlines  are  in  strong  contrast  to  the  preceding  one. 

Colouration. — The  markings  are  very  distinct.  A  vividly- 
defined,  yellow  band  on  the  back,  extends  from  immediately 
behind  the  head  and  down  the  tail.  On  each  side  of  the 
nape  is  a  large,  dark  blotch.  Three  dark  rounded  spots  on 
each  side  of  the  back,  usually  bordered  in  the  rear  with  a 
narrow  crescent  of  bright  yellow.  On  the  top  of  the  head  are 


The  Horned  Lizards 

three  dark  bands;  beneath  the  eye  are  three  wider  bands.    Ab- 
domen yellow  with  numerous  dark,  round  spots. 

Dimensions. — Following  are  the  dimensions  of  a  large  spec- 
imen from  Texas: 

Total  Length 6  inches. 

Length  of  Tail i  £     " 

Width  of  Body 2f 

Length  of  Central  Horns T7¥   " 

Distribution. — In  the  Central  States  this  species  occurs  as 
far  eastward  as  Missouri,  and  has  been  recorded  in  western  Illi- 
nois, though  it  does  not,  at  the  present  time,  appear  to  exist  as 
far  east  as  the  locality  of  the  latter  record.  Farther  south,  its 
most  easterly  limit  is  western  Arkansas  and  thence  on  a  line 
southward  to  Galveston,  Texas.  Westward  the  species  ranges 
throughout  the  great  state  of  Texas,  through  New  Mexico,  Ari- 
zona and  into  eastern  California.  Its  most  northerly  limit  in 
the  United  States,  appears  to  be  Nebraska.  In  Mexico  it  occurs 
in  the  states  of  Chihuahua  and  Sonora.  It  is  most  abundant 
in  Texas. 

Habits. — The  habits  are  in  no  way  different  from  the  other 
horned  lizards  described.  It  is  fairly  hardy  in  captivity,  but 
does  not  live  so  well  as  the  California  species,  or  the  fine,  Regal 
Horned  Lizard  of  the  Arizona  deserts. 

DITMARS'  HORNED  LIZARD 

Phrynosoma  ditmarsii,  (Stejneger) 

In  considering  this  recently  discovered  species,  we  arrive 
at  what  might  be  termed  the  second  group  of  horned  lizards. 
The  general  size  of  the  species  is  rather  smaller  than  those  pre- 
viously described,  while  the  scalation  of  the  body  is  finer.  Thus 
these  species  appear  much  smoother  and  less  bristling  than  the 
former  lizards.  With  several  of  the  species,  the  ear  dngm  is 
covered  with  granular  scales  and  is  not  visible  externally.  Like 
that  portion  of  the  genus  already  treated  this  latter  portion  is 
so  arranged  that  the  species  with  rudimemtary  horns  precede 
those  with  well  developed  head  spines. 

The  present  species  is  practically  hornless  and  has  the  widest 
head  of  any  of  the  genus.  The  head  is  considerably  wider  than 
long.  The  region  of  the  temple  is  produced  into  a  flat,  crest- 
like  prominence,  bordered  in  the  rear  with  large  scales,  but  no 


The  Horned  Lizards 

actual  horns.  On  the  lower  jaw  are  two  rows  of  enlarged,  very 
keen-edged  plates,  which,  instead  of  being  parallel  with  the 
lower  lip  plates  as  with  other  species,  extend  obliquely  from 
them,  downward.  The  central  chin  scales  are  small  and  of 
uniform  size.  The  scales  of  the  abdomen  are  strongly  keeled. 

The  back  of  this  species  is  quite  smooth,  and  sprinkled 
with  enlarged,  keeled  scales  laying  quite  flat  against  the  skin. 
There  is  no  margin  of  spiny  scales.  Lacking  the  head  spines 
and  bristling,  spiny  exterior  of  most  of  the  species,  the  aspect 
is  very  toad-like. 

The  tail  of  the  female  is  much  shorter  than  the  male. 

Colouration. — Sandy  red,  with  obscure,  dark  cross-bands 
on  central  portion  of  the  back. 

Dimensions. — Total  Length  (Male  Specimen)  ....  4     inches. 

Width  of  Body if 

Wi&bofHead. i|      " 

Length  of  Head | 

Distribution. — But  two  specimens  are  known — a  male  and 
a  female.  They  were  taken  in  Mexico,  in  the  state  of  Sonora, 
a  short  distance  south  of  the  southern  border  of  Arizona. 

Habits. — The  writer  has  observed  but  one  living  specimen. 
It  was  an  interesting  creature  and  lived  about  a  year.  It 
would  feed  only  when  the  sun  was  shining  brightly  upon  the  sand 
of  the  cage,  when  it  took  large  ants,  grasshoppers,  crickets  and 
mealworms.  The  ants  were  snapped  up  in  a  manner  appealing 
much  to  the  habits  of  the  true  toads — namely,  the  bending  of 
the  head  downward  toward  the  prey,  the  instant  protrusion 
of  a  pink  tongue  and  the  sudden  disappearance  of  the  insect 
in  a  movement  so  quick  that  the  human  eye  was  unable  to  fol- 
low it.  This  movement  was  attended  by  a  single  gulp  on  the 
part  of  the  reptile.  There  was  no  subsequent  mastication. 
The  swallowing  of  larger  prey  was  attended  by  a  curious  series 
of  manoeuvres.  There  was  the  same  momentary,  downward 
pointing  of  the  head  and  the  prey  was  conveyed  to  the  jaws 
like  a  flash,  but  as  it  was  too  big  to  be  drawn  entirely  into  the 
jaws  by  the  action  of  the  tongue,  it  was  roughly  masticated 
and  worked  into  the  mouth  by  an  extraordinary  process  of  wip- 
ing the  jaws  from  one  side  to  another  upon  the  sand  and  with 
such  vigor  and  rapidity  that  numerous  grains  were  thrown 
against  the  glass  sides  of  the  cage.  After  swallowing  a  large 

155 


The  Horned  Lizards 

insect,  the  reptile  assumed  an  astonished  expression,  opening 
the  eyes  widely,  then  nodding  the  head  violently  up  and  down, 
six  or  eight  times. 

Although  the  general  demeanour  of  the  horned  lizards  is 
timid  and  inoffensive,  occasional  specimens  make  ludicrous 
attempts  at  self  defence.  The  present  specimen  was  curious 
in  this  regard.  When  annoyed  it  would  arch  its  back,  point 
its  snout  downward,  then  make  jumps  of  fully  an  inch  from  the 
ground,  from  this  position,  each  jump  being  accompanied  by  a 
miniature  hiss,  which  sounded  like  a  sneeze.  The  performance 
was  altogether  clown-like  and  far  from  alarming.  When  the 
lizard  discovered  that  its  efforts  were  unsuccessful  in  driving 
the  intruder  away,  it  resorted  to  flight,  in  a  scamper  for  a  dark 
corner.  Late  in  the  afternoon  it  so  buried  itself  in  the  sand, 
that  only  its  nostrils  and  the  crown-like  top  of  the  head  were 
visible,  and  these  so  closely  matched  the  colour  of  the  sand  that 
a  close  inspection  was  necessary  to  find  it  at  such  times. 

The  animal  died  from  inflammation  of  the  intestines,  a 
condition  that  kills  many  of  the  captive  horned  lizards  and  may 
result  from  the  change  of  environment,  from  the  absolutely 
dry  and  warm  sands  of  the  desert — the  home  of  most  of  the 
species — to  the  general  clamminess  that  pervades  sand  or  gravel 
in  our  damp,  Eastern  climate,  unless  the  bottom  of  the  cage  is 
heated  by  steam  or  hot  water  pipes — rather  a  difficult  provision 
in  a  private  collection. 

The  rarity  of  this  horned  lizard  might  be  accounted  for 
in  the  consideration  of  its  relatively  smooth  skin  and  absence 
of  head  spines,  rendering  it  an  easy  prey  for  various  snakes. 
Thus  the  general  abundance  of  those  species  with  bristling  body 
spines  and  long  horns  upon  the  head  might  also  be  explained. 

THE  LITTLE  HORNED  LIZARD 

% 

Phrynosoma  modestum,  (Girard) 

Appeals  to  Ditmars's  Horned  Lizard  in  the  absence  of  the 
marginal,  spiny  scales,  at  the  edge  of  the  abdomen.  It  is  a 
comparatively  smooth  species,  and  the  head  spines  are  small. 
Thus  it  lacks  the  spiny,  bristling  appearance  of  the  larger  species. 
Like  the  preceding,  the  ear  drum  is  exposed  or  but  partially 
covered  with  granular  scales,  a  character  which  removes  it  from 
all  of  the  succeeding  horned  lizards.  The  scales  of  the  abdomen 

156 


THE  REPTILE  BOOK 


PLATE  L 


TEXAS  HORNED  LIZARD,  Phrynosoma  cornutum 
Commonest  and  most  widely  distributed  of  the  horned  lizards.     Found  from  Missouri  to  Texas  and  westward  to  California 


ASHY  HORN'ED  LIZARD,  Phrynosoma  calidiarum 
A  rare  species.     Found  in  the  deserts  of  Arizona  and  eastern  California 


THE  REPTILE  BOOK 


PLATE  LI 


.  KEELED  LIZARD,  Gerrhonotus  multiearinatus 

An  abundant  lizard  in  the  Pacific  Region.     Its  shingle-like  scales  and  the  deep  fold  on  each  side-characteristic  of  the  Angvida 
—readily  distinguish  it  from  lizards  of  other  families  in  the  United  States 


LONG-TAILED  EXAMPLE  OF  THE  KEELED  LIZARD,  Gerrhonotus  multiearinatu* 
The  total  length  of  this  specimen  is  15$  inches,  of  which  the  tail  tdces  up  10  inches 


The  Horned  Lizards 

are  smooth  and  there  are  no  enlarged  rows  of  scales  in  the  cen- 
tral portion  of  the  chin. 

Colouration. — Pale,  yellowish,  or  pinkish.  A  large  black 
patch  on  each  side  of  the  nape — but  this  is  sometimes  indistinct. 
There  are  practically  no  cross-bars  on  the  back,  although  the 
tail  is  usually  banded.  The  abdomen  is  yellowish-white  and, 
with  the  exception  of  the  region  of  the  vent,  is  immaculate; 
there  are  frequently  several  small  patches  of  black  both  in  front 
and  behind  the  vent. 

Dimensions.— Total  Length 3f  inches. 

Length  of  Head,  including  Horns. . .    || 
Width  of  head,  including  Temporal 

Horns H      " 

Distribution. — Western  Texas,  New  Mexico  and  Arizona; 
the  states  of  Chihuahua  and  Sonora,  Mexico. 

THE  ASHY  HORNED  LIZARD 

Phrynosoma  calidiarum,  (Cope) 

The  ear  drums  are  not  visible,  being  covered  with  fine, 
granular  scales.  Among  those  species  that  follow,  all  of  which 
exhibit  this  character,  the  present  one  may  be  recognised  by  the 
single  row  of  marginal,  spiny  scales. 

Back  quite  spiny;  head  spines  well  developed,  particularly 
the  central  horns,  which  are  directed  quite  sharply  upward. 
Upon  gross  examination  this  resembles  the  Texas  Horned  Liz- 
ard, P.  cornutum.  The  central  portion  of  the  chin  is  covered 
with  small  scales,  of  uniform  si%e.  The  scales  of  the  abdomen 
are  perfectly  smooth. 

Colouration. — Ashy-gray,  with  wavy  black  cross-bars.  Ab- 
domen immaculate  white;  on  the  chin  and  at  the  base  of  the 
tail  are  a  few  black  spots. 

Dimensions. — The  measurements  of  an  adult  male,  from 
the  Gila  Desert,  are  given: 

Total  Length 4i  inches. 

Length  of  Tail i  i 

Greatest  Width  of  Body 1 1 

Length  of  Central  Horns 1 

Distribution. — Appears  to  be  very  rare.  The  type  spec- 
imen was  taken  in  Death  Valley,  eastern  California.  The  writer 
received  a  specimen  from  the  Gila  Desert,  south  of  Phoenix, 
Arizona. 


The  Homed  Lizards 

GOODE'S  HORNED  LIZARD 

Phrynosoma  goodei,  (Stejneger) 

Goode's  Horned  Lizard  is  one  of  the  smallest  species  of 
the  genus.  It  attains  a  slightly  larger  size  than  the  P.  modestum, 
the  Little  Horned  Lizard.  The  spiny  scales  of  the  back  are 
but  slightly  protruding  and  the  general  aspect  is  that  of  a  toad- 
like  creature  with  quite  smooth,  granular  skin.  The  ear  drum 
is  covered  wiih  granular  scales.  Two  rows  of  marginal,  spiny 
scales,  but  the  lower  is  very  fine  and  small.  Scales  of  the  ab- 
domen perfectly  smooth. 

The  head  spines  are  peculiar;  they  are  of  fair  size,  but 
the  two  rear  temporal  horns  are  quite  the  size  of  the  central 
(occipital)  horns. 

Colouration. — Alcoholic  specimens  are  grayish  above  and 
white  beneath.  There  is  a  blackish  spot  on  each  side  of  the 
nape,  and  a  series  of  black  spots  on  each  side  of  the  back.  The 
abdomen  is  white  and  immaculate. 

Dimensions. — Total  Length 4^  inches. 

Length  of  Head  and  Body 2f 

Distribution. — This  is  a  desert  species.  It  has  been  taken 
in  Sonora,  Mexico,  and  possibly  occurs  in  southern  Arizona. 

THE  SMOOTH  HORNED  LIZARD 

Phrynosoma  platyrhinum,  (Girard) 

This  abundant  species  differs  from  the  other  horned  lizards 
having  the  ear  drum  covered  with  granular  scales  and  possessing 
a  fairly  smooth  skin,  in  the  structure  of  the  head  spines,  which 
are  rudimentary.  They  are  barely  longer  than  the  horizontal 
diameter  of  the  eye-opening.  There  are  two  single  rows  of 
slightly  enlarged  scales  on  that  portion  of  the  chin  embraced  by 
the  sharp,  projecting  plates  beneath  the  lower  labials.  *•  Scales 
of  the  abdomen  smooth;  two  series  of  marginal,  spiny  scales 
at  the  edge  of  the  abdomen — the  lower  but  slightly  developed. 
Colouration. — Pinkish-gray  or  brownish-gray;  a  large,  dark 
patch  on  each  side  of  the  nape.  The  back  is  marked  with  dark, 
wavy  cross-bands,  which  may  be  very  indistinct.  Abdomen 
immaculate  white. 

Dimension. — Total  Length 5     inches. 

Length  of  Head  and  Body 

158 


The  Horned  Lizards 

Distribution. — Abundant  in  the  desert  and  sub-arid  regions 
of  eastern  California,  Arizona,  Utah,  Nevada  and  southern  Idaho. 

MAcCALL'S   HORNED   LIZARD 

Phrynosoma  maccallii,  (Hallowell) 

The  last  lizard  of  this  genus  is  of  rare  occurrence.  It  has 
the  longest  head  spines  of  any  of  those  species  with  concealed 
ear-drums.  There  are  two  series  of  spiny,  marginal  scales  on 
the  body,  the  upper  of  which  is  the  longer.  In  the  central  region 
of  the  chin  are  two  single  rows  of  slightly  enlarged  scales.  The 
scales  of  the  abdomen  are  smooth.  The  skin  of  the  back  appears 
very  smooth  as  compared  with  other  horned  lizards. 

The  head  spines  are  peculiar.  There  are  two  very  large 
central  spines;  only  the  two  rear  spines  of  the  temples  are  large 
—this  in  place  of  the  three  successively  larger  temporal  spines 
of  most  species. 

Colouration. — Ashy-gray;  a  narrow,  brownish  line  upon  the 
back;  on  each  side  this  are  two  rows  of  round,  brown  spots  each 
containing  a  paler  centre,which  in  turn  is  centered  with  a  brown  dot. 

Dimensions. — Total  Length  3!  inches. 

Length  of  Head  and  Body 2|f 

Width  of  Body i^      " 

Distribution. — The  Colorado  Desert.  The  United  States 
National  Museum  has  specimens  from  Fort  Yuma,  Arizona. 
It  appears  to  be  a  very  rare  species. 

Habits. — Nothing  is  known  of  the  habits. 

The  desert  fauna  of  the  United  States  is  not  only  distinct, 
but  highly  interesting.  One  of  the  most  fascinating  exhibits 
in  the  reptile  house  of  the  New  York  Zoological  Park,  is  the 
"desert  room."  Here,  even  the  most  casual  observer  will 
at  once  note  something  peculiar  about  the  lizards  and  the  snakes 
— their  pallid  hues,  their  remarkable  similarity  to  the  sand  and 
their  adaptability  to  the  dry,  loose  soil,  in  their  movements  of 
burrowing  or  progressing  at  great  speed  over  a  surface  where 
many  reptiles  would  be  clumsy.  At  a  temperature  in  which 
some  reptiles  thrive,  these  creatures  of  the  deserts  are  sluggish. 
They  flourish  and  are  most  active  in  a  heat  that  is  practically  un- 
endurable to  the  human.  This  phase  of  reptile  life  is  worth  much 
space — much  more  than  can  be  given  to  it  in  the  present  work. 


CHAPTER   XVIII:    THE   PLATED    LIZARDS    AND 
SNAKE-LIKE  SPECIES 

The  Families  ANGUID/E  and  ANIELLID/E,  Embracing  tie  North 
American  Genera  GERRHONOTUS— Plated  Lizards;  OPHI- 
SAURUS— Glass  "Snake"  and  AN  1  ELL  A— Ground  "Snake." 

FAMILY  Anguidce;  the  Plated  Lizards  and  Glass  "Snakes:" 
With  this  family,  the  student  is  referred  to  a  group  of  degener- 
ate lizards,  all  of  which  are  elongate  and  serpentine  in  form, 
and  either  possess  small  and  rather  weak  limbs,  or  are  externally 
wholly  devoid  of  these  organs.  The  latter  species  are  often 
mistaken  for  snakes,  which  is  a  natural  consequence,  owing 
to  the  methods  of  progression  and  the  serpentine  outlines,  in  every 
way  appealing  to  the  snake  rather  than  to  the  lizard.  There 
are  forty-four  species  of  this  family;  they  inhabit  both  the  New 
and  the  Old  Worlds.  They  are  most  abundantly  represented 
in  Mexico  and  in  Central  America.  The  species  are  characteris- 
tic from  the  presence  of  a  deep  fold  on  each  side  of  the  body. 

The  Plated  Lizards;  Genus  Gerrhonotus:  The  body  is 
slender,  with  large,  square  scales  above,  arranged  in  regular, 
ring-like  rows;  with  most  of  the  species,  the  scales  of  the  middle 
portion  of  the  back  are  strongly  keeled. 

Along  each  side  of  the  body,  from  behind  the  ear  to  the 
base  of  the  hind  limb,  is  a  strip  of  soft  flesh,  containing  small, 
granular  scales;  against  the  lower  border  of  this  strip,  the  edge 
of  the  abdominal  sheet  of  scales  fits  loosely,  forming  a  deep  fold. 

The  head  is  distinct  from  the  neck  and  pointed  at  the  snout. 
The  limbs  are  rather  small  and  the  tail  very  long  and  brittle— 
frequently  twice  as  long  as  the  head  and  body. 

Four  species  of  this  genus  inhabit  the  extreme  western  and 
southwestern  portions  of  the  United  States.  Nineteen  species 
are  recognised,  the  greater  number  occurring  in  tropical  Mexico 
and  Central  America. 

Like  many  other  genera  among  the  reptiles  these  lizards 
have  encountered  a  share  of  the  undue  enthusiasm  displayed 

1 60 


THE  REPTILE  BOOK 


PLATE    LII 


BROWX  LIZARD,  Gerrtionotus  liocephalus 
May  be  identified  by  the  several  rows  of  smooth  scales  on  each  side 


KING'S  LIZARD,  Gerrhonotus  kingii 
The  most  brightly  coloured  member  of  its  genus.    The  scales  are  faintly  keeled 


THE  REPTILE  BOOK 


PLATE  LIII 


PLATED  LIZARD,  Gerrhonottis  imbricalus 

Distinguished  from  the  three  preceding  species  by  two  (2)  pairs  of  plates  anterior  to  the  frontal  plate — that  between  the  eyes 

A  Western  species 


^g*pi 

^;^. ,.-  -<v;> 
-  ^ijr^ 

IP"-'  V^'V.   •. 

->»i*eir 


GLASS  "  SNAKE,"  Ophisaurus  ventralis 
A  snake-like  representative  of  the  Anguida,  inhabiting  the  Southern  States.    Several  very  similar  species  are  found  in  Europe  and  Asia 


The  Plated  Lizards  and  Snake-like  Species 

in  founding  new  species  and  sub-species  upon  variations  thaf 
are  of  little  importance.  There  has  been  a  number  of  species 
described  as  occurring  in  the  United  States  and  the  descriptions 
of  them  have  been  based  upon  slight  differences  of  scalation  and 
distribution.  If  these  obscurely  different  specimens  were  mixed 
among  varying  individuals  of  the  really  staple  species  and  the 
locality  labels  removed,  it  is  doubtful  if  the  observers  of  their 
"distinctly"  different  characters  could  pick  them  out  again. 
Thus  it  appears  that  the  different  species  described  as  occurring 
in  the  United  States  must  simmer  down  to  four,  a  key  of  which 
is  herewith  presented: 

I.  Three  shields  arranged  in  triangular  fashion,  in  front  of 
the  large  shields  between  the  eyes. 

Scales  of  the  back  and  the  sides  strongly  keeled. 

KEELED  LIZARD,  G.  multicarinatus. 

Habitat. — Widely  distributed.      The   Pacific  Coast 

region,  from  British  Columbia  to  Central  America. 

Scales  on  the  back  strongly  keeled;  those  of  the  sides 

smooth.  BROWN  LIZARD,  G.  liocephalus. 

Habitat. — Texas  and  Mexico. 

Scales  of  the  back  feebly  keeled;  those  of  the  sides 
smooth.  KING'S  LIZARD,  G.  kingii. 

Habitat. — Arizona,  New  Mexico,  western  Texas  and 
northern  Mexico. 

II.  Three  pairs  of  shields  in  front  of  the  large  shields  between 
the  eyes. 

Scales  of  the  back  keeled;  those  of  the  sides  smooth. 

PLATED  LIZARD,  G.  imbricatus. 
Habitat. — Western  Texas ;  Mexico. 

Detailed  descriptions  of  these  species  follow: 

THE  KEELED  LIZARD 
Gerrhonotus  multicarinatus,  (Blainv.) 

Slender  in  form,  with  very  long  and  gradually  taper- 
ing tail.  The  scales  of  the  upper  surfaces  are  very  strongly 
keeled,  particularly  on  the  back  and  top  of  the  tail.  The 
scales  of  the  abdomen  are  oblong  in  shape  and  highly  pol- 
ished; they  are  arranged  in  the  same  ring-like  formation  as 
those  above. 

Colouration. — Above,  the  colour  is  brown  or  olive,  with 
numerous  dark  and  wavy  cross-bands,  many  of  which  are  bor- 
dered with  white  spots.  The  soft  strips  of  skin  on  the  sides 


The  Plated  Lizards  and  Snake -like  Species 

are  much  like  the  general  ground  colour  and  usually  contain 
rounded  patches  of  white.     The  abdomen  is  greenish-white. 

Dimensions. — Following  are  the  measurements  of  a  specimen 
of  average  size,  from  California: 

Total  Length 1 1  f  inches. 

Length  of  Tail y£ 

Greatest  Diameter £ 

Width  of  Head f 

Length  of  Head     i  in.  (to  behind  ear.) 

Length  of  Hind  Limb if  inches. 

Length  of  Front  Limb ITV 

The  largest  specimen  examined  furnished  the  dimensions 
given  below: 

Total  Length 1 5  J  inches. 

Greatest  Diameter i 

Width  of  Head f      " 

Distribution. — This  is  the  only  species  of  the  genus  that  is 
widely  distributed  north  of  Mexico.  It  occurs  throughout  the 
Pacific  Coast  region  from  British  Columbia  southward  to  Lower 
California — inclusive.  It  ranges  eastward  into  Texas,  thence 
into  Mexico  and  Central  America. 

Synonyms. — The  following  technical  names  have  been 
applied  to  this  species:  G.  ccemleus,  G.  burnetti,  G.  wiegmannii, 
G.  scincicauda,  G.  principis,  G.  grandis,  and  others  that  have 
appealed  to  alleged  sub-species  or  varieties. 

Habits. — As  the  species  of  this  genus  appeal  closely  to  one 
another  in  habits,  these  may  be  generally  summed  up  under  the 
head  of  the  present  reptile.  The  different  species  inhabit  a 
variety  of  country,  being  found  in  forests,  rocky  situations  and 
belts  of  chapparal.  They  are  frequently  found  at  an  elevation 
of  from  7,000  to  9,000  feet. 

These  lizards  are  less  agile  in  their  movements  thafl  other 
lacertilians  of  their  size — such  as  the  swifts  and  skinks — though 
they  are  by  no  means  sluggish.  However,  they  are  more  easily 
captured  than  the  majority  of  their  kind.  While  progressing 
leisurely  over  rough  places,  they  are  often  quite  snake-like  in 
actions,  the  slender  body  and  long  tail  following  the  outlines  of 
the  declivities,  and,  although  the  small  limbs  are  constantly 
in  use,  the  effect  resembles  a  gliding  movement.  Such  actions 

162 


The  Plated  Lizards  and  Snake-like  Species 

demonstrate  the  close  relationship  of  these  lizards  to  the  serpent- 
like — limbless  species. 

All  of  the  species  of  Gerrhonotus  are  provided  with  a  welK 
developed  and  thick  tongue,  forked  at  the  tip.  When  progress- 
ing— if  not  frightened,  and  hurriedly  seeking  shelter — the  tongue 
is  frequently  protruded,  generally  to  touch  lightly  the  surface 
over  which  the  creature  crawls.  After  eating,  the  lizard  em- 
ploys the  tongue  vigorously  to  wipe  the  lips,  and  even  though 
the  prey  be  a  small  beetle,  that  has  been  swallowed  practically 
entire,  the  same  elaborate  proceedings  follows.  The  food  con- 
sists mostly  of  insects,  such  as  grubs,  and  the  slower-crawling 
kinds.  Captive  specimens  are  very  fond  of  mealworms.  Oc- 
casional specimens  are  cannibalistic,  devouring  small  lizards 
of  other  species,  that  may  be  placed  in  their  cage. 

The  Plated  Lizards  evince  the  habit  of  parting  with  their 
tails  upon  the  slightest  provocation.  Captive  specimens  with 
perfect  tails  are  rather  in  the  minority.  Although^many  lizards 
will  suddenly  part  with  the  tail  by  twisting  themselves  from  one's 
grasp  and  leave  the  greater  part  of  the  caudal  appendage  writh- 
ing violently,  to  engross  the  enemy's  attention,  while  the  crea- 
ture scampers  off,  the  species  of  the  present  genus  appear  to  be 
able  to  discard  the  tail  voluntarily  by  a  sudden  throw  of  the 
appendage,  as  they  are  pursued  and  running  for  shelter.  The 
abandoned  tail  twists,  wriggles  and  undergoes  such  lively  move- 
ments that  if  cast  off  in  dried  leaves  or  grass  would  cause  enough 
commotion  to  cause  the  pursuer  to  stop  and  investigate  it.  Thus 
the  tail  may  be  said  to  play  the  part  of  a  decoy  in  retarding  the 
progress  of  the  enemy.  At  the  part  where  it  has  broken  from 
the  base,  the  cast-off  portion  looks  remarkable,  as  it  displays 
protruding,  swollen  filaments  of  flesh,  these  spreading  from  the 
member  like  the  petals  of  a  flower.  If  the  lizard  be  examined, 
the  stump  of  the  tail  will  be  found  to  contain  cavities  to  represent 
these  protuberances. 

One  might  be  led  to  imagine  that  the  broken  portions  of 
the  tail  could  be  fitted  together,  but  close  investigation  will  show 
that  the  petal-like  filaments  are  swollen  in  proportion  to  their 
original  bases  as  is  a  champagne  cork  to  the  mouth  of  the  bottle. 
The  operation  of  shedding  the  tail  is  a  bloodless  one.  Some 
weeks  after  the  tail  has  been  lost,  a  new  member  starts  to 
grow  slowly,  appearing  in  abrupt,  pointed  fashion  from  the 

163 


The  Plated  Lizards  and  Snake -like  Species 

thick  base  of  the  original  member.  (Illustrated.)  The  new  tail 
rarely  attains  more  than  half  the  length  of  the  first  appendage. 

When  first  captured  these  lizards  will  bite  viciously,  inflicting 
a  decided  pinch.  They  are  hardy  as  captives  and  ultimately 
become  very  tame,  learning  to  take  flies  and  mealworms  from 
the  fingers  without  any  signs  of  fear.  To  successfully  maintain 
them,  they  should  be  kept  in  a  warm  and  dry  place,  and  pro- 
vided with  sand  and  rocks.  They  thrive  best  if  their  cage  is 
exposed  to  a  few  hours  sunlight  daily — a  rule  however,  which 
does  not  apply  to  the  intense  heat  of  the  sun  in  mid-summer. 

The- species  of  Gerrbonotus  give  birth  to  very  active  young; 
the  young  are  born  in  a  membraneous  sac,  like  the  viviparous 
snakes.  They  are  much  paler  than  the  parent  and  look  smooth 
and  glossy.  At  this  stage  they  are  strikingly  like  the  Eastern 
Ground  Lizard,  Lygosoma  laterale. 

THE  BROWN  LIZARD 

Gerrbonotus  liocephalus,  (Wieg.) 

Size  and  outlines  similar  to  preceding  species,  but  the  scala- 
tion  is  different.  Eight  to  ten  rows  of  scales  on  the  back  are 
strongly  keeled.  The  scales  of  the  sides  are  smooth. 

Colouration. — Above,  the  colour  is  greenish-brown,  with 
wavy,  dark  cross-bands,  bordered  with  white  spots.  In  the 
soft  patch  of  skin  above  the  fold,  are  usually  black  spots  or  rings. 
With  the  majority  of  specimens  there  is  a  yellowish  streak  ex- 
tending from  below  the  eye  to  the  angle  of  the  mouth. 

Distribution. — In  the  United  States,  this  species  occurs 
only  in  western  Texas.  In  Mexico,  it  is  widely  distributed. 

Like  the  other  allied  species,  it  exhibits  considerable  varia- 
tion of  colour  and  scalation,  but  the  differences  noted  in  a  large 
series  of  specimens  are  not  sufficient  to  warrant  varietal  names. 

KING'S  LIZARD 

Gerrhonotus  kingii,  (Gray) 

General  outlines  and  size  similar  to  the  preceding,  but 
the  scalation  is  quite  different.  The  scales  of  the  back — from 
six  to  eight  rows — are  very  bluntly  keeled;  with  some  specimens 
these  scales  appear  smooth,  unless  closely  inspected.  The  scales 
of  the  sides  are  smooth. 

164 


The  Plated  Lizards  and  Snake -like  Species 

Colouration. — The  pattern  is  strongly  defined — the  ground 
colour  being  ashy  gray  or  pale  olive,  crossed  by  bars  of  pale 
brown  that  are  narrowly  bordered  with  black.  The  tail  is  brightly 
ringed  above. 

Distribution. — Southern  Arizona,  New  Mexico,  western  Texas 
and  northern  Mexico. 

THE  PLATED  LIZARD 

Gerrhonotus  imbricatus,  (Wieg.) 

Differs  from  the  two  preceding  species,  in  its  more  obsolete 
pattern,  proportionately  shorter  tail  and  broader  head.  In 
front  of  the  large  shields  between  the  eye  are  three  -pairs  of  smaller 
shields,  in  place  of  the  three  shields  arranged  in  triangular  fashion 
that  will  be  noted  with  the  majority  of  the  species.  The  scales 
of  the  back  are  strongly  keeled  to  the  number  of  eight  or  ten 
rows;  those  of  the  sides  are  smooth. 

Colouration. — The  pattern  is  very  indistinct,  and  the  majority 
of  old  specimens  are  uniform  brown. 

Dimensions. — Total  Length io£  inches. 

Length  of  Tail 4f 

Greatest  Diameter I  £       " 

WidthofHead i 

Length  of  Head  (to  back  of  ear) . . .   i  J      " 

Distribution. — The  extreme  southwest  portion  of  Texas, 
and  possibly  southern  Arizona  and  New  Mexico;  northern  and 
central  Mexico  generally.  Occurs  to  an  elevation  of  1 1,000  feet. 

The  Genus  Ophisaurus. — But  one  species  of  this  genus  is 
known.  It  is  the  familiar  Glass  "Snake,"  quite  snake-like  in 
aspect;  having  no  traces  of  external  limbs.  In  North  America, 
it  is  the  only  limbless  representative  of  the  Family  Anguidce. 
The  limbless  species  of  this  family  occur  principally  in  southern 
Europe,  Asia  and  Africa.  The  Sheltopusic  (Pseudopus  apus), 
and  the  Blind  "Worm"  (Anguis  fragilis),  are  familiar  Old  World 
examples. 

A  description  of  the  New  World  species  follows: 

THE  GLASS  "SNAKE" 
Ophisaurus  ventralis,  (Linn.) 

The  body  is  slender,  elongated  and  very  serpentine,  with 
no  traces  of  limbs.  From  a  snake,  however,  this  creature  may  at 

165 


The  Plated  Lizards  and'  Snake -like  Species 

once  be  told  by  the  presence  of  well-developed  eye-lids  and  ear-open- 
ings, while  the  abdomen  is  provided,  in  place  of  the  broad,  crawl- 
ing scutes  of  a  snake,  with  numerous  rows  of  smooth  and  over- 
lapping scales,  which  are  of  no  use  in  locomotion.  The  scales 
of  the  back  are  arranged  in  ring-like  rows. 

Along  each  side  of  the  body  is  a  deep  fold,  this  dividing 
the  dark  ground  colour  of  the  upper  surface  with  the  pale  hue 
of  the  abdomen.  The  fold  extends  from  behind  the  head  to  the 
base  of  the  tail  and  defines  the  proper  beginning  of  the  latter 
appendage,  which  forms  about  two-thirds  the  entire  length  of 
the  reptile. 

The  upper  surface  is  smooth  and  glassy.  Although  the 
general  formation  of  the  body  appeals  to  a  snake,  this  reptile 
is  more  rigid  in  body  than  a  serpent  and  thus  incapable  of  as- 
suming the  many  graceful,  lateral  undulations  of  the  ophidian. 
It  progresses  by  means  of  a  few,  rather  stiff,  undulatory  move- 
ments from  side  to  side. 

Colouration. — Ground  colour  above,  olive,  brown  or  black, 
with  several  dots  of  bright  green,  within  each  scale;  on  the  neck 
these  spots  form  lines.  The  head  is  speckled  with  the  same 
bright  colour.  Beneath,  the  colour  is  uniform,  greenish-white. 

On  some  specimens  the  spots  on  the  sides  fuse  in  a 
fashion  that  produces  the  effect  of  narrow  and  serrated  greenish 
stripes.  On  occasional  specimens  the  spots  of  both  the  sides 
and  the  back  thus  fuse,  imparting  a  narrowly  striped  pattern 
over  the  entire  upper  surface. 

Dimensions. — The  measurements  of  an  average-sized  adult 
are  given: 

Total  Length 27    inches. 

Length  of  Tail 1 7  J 

Greatest  Diameter f      " 

Width  of  Head *f      " 

Length  of  Head i  J 

The  largest  specimen  examined  measured  37  1-2  inches  in 
length,  which  was  considerably  in  excess  of  the  normal.  This 
specimen  is  in  the  Museum  of  Comparative  Zoology  at  Cambridge, 
Mass. 

Distribution. — The  Glass  "Snake"  is  widely  distributed 
and  occurs  well  into  the  North,  although  not  along  the  Atlantic 
coast,  in  the  most  northern  part  of  its  range.  In  the  extreme 

166 


The  Plated  Lizards  and  Snake-like  Species 

East  it  is  common  from  North  Carolina  to  Florida.  In  the  cen- 
tral portion  of  the  United  States,  however,  it  occurs  in  Nebraska 
(its  western  limit  of  distribution),  Wisconsin  and  Illinois.  It 
extends  southward  through  Texas  and  into  northern  Mexico. 

Habits. — That  the  Glass  "Snake"  is  able,  after  being  shat- 
tered into  many  fragments,  to  collect  itself  together  again  and 
continue  to  exist  as  before  the  injury,  is  an  old,  but  wholly 
erroneous  idea.  The  species  is  odd  only  from  the  fact  that  a 
true  lizard  can  be  so  destitute  of  crawling  appendages.  Its 
habits  are  quite  ordinary,  despite  the  eccentric  form. 

Like  the  character  observed  among  many  lizards  to  a  more 
or  less  marked  degree,  the  Glass  "Snake"  may  readily  divest 
itself  of  its  tail  in  case  of  emergency.  As  it  happens  with  this 
particular  species,  the  body  parts  with  the  tail  with  more  facility 
than  is  noted  among  most  lizards.  The  reptile  cannot  be  ap- 
propriately described  as  "brittle"  for  the  loss  of  the  tail  is  largely 
voluntarily  and  in  many  instances  permits  the  lizard  to  make 
its  escape  from  an  enemy,  and  ultimately  grow  a  new,  though 
abbreviated  caudal  appendage. 

When  pursued,  this  creature  glides  away  at  anything  but 
a  rapid  gait  as  compared  to  the  dash  of  most  lizards.  It  stands 
but  little  chance  of  escape  by  ordinary  flight.  Let  us  suppose 
the  creature  to  be  pursued  by  a  very  common  enemy — the  king 
snake.  As  the  pursuer  overtakes  his  prey,  he  grasps  it  at  once. 
There  is  a  sudden,  twisting  movement  on  the  part  of  the  Glass 
"Snake,"  and  the  victor  finds  that  the  smooth,  scaly  length 
he  holds  in  his  jaws  is  so  vigorous  that  it  requires  much  atten- 
tion, for  it  twists  and  wriggles  with  great  energy.  Swallowing 
all  his  prey  head  first,  the  cannibal  works  his  jaws  along  the 
victim  to  engulf  it  from  such  a  position,  when,  after  much 
manoeuvring  with  the  writhing  quarry,  the  snake  stops  in  some 
embarrassment.  There  is  no  head.  The  object  that  has 
engaged  so  much  attention  is  simply  the  long  tail  of  the  lizard 
and  the  abbreviated  owner  has  glided  to  safety. 

Rather  retiring  in  habits,  the  Glass  "Snake"  spends  much 
of  its  time  in  burrowing.  Its  food  consists  of  earthworms,  slugs, 
and  the  larvae  of  insects.  When  prowling  it  sometimes  ransacks 
the  nest  of  some  small  bird  that  builds  upon  the  ground,  and 
breaking  the  egg-shells  with  its  strong  jaws,  laps  up  the  con- 
tents with  the  flat,  bluntly  forked  tongue. 

167 


The  Plated  Lizards  and  Snake-like  Species 

The  Family  Aniellidce:  The  family  is  composed  of  a  single 
genus  and  but  one  species,  which  is  probably  a  much  degenerated 
form  of  the  Anguidce. 

BLIND  "WORM"— WORM  "SNAKE"— WORM  LIZARD 
Amelia  pulchra,  (Gray) 

Small  and  worm-like.  Ears  concealed;  eyes  covered  with 
transluscent  skin,  and  useless.  Scales  smooth  and  shining, 
arranged  the  same  beneath  as  above;  head  pointed. 

The  species  looks  somewhat  like  the  European  Blind  "Worm" 
(Anguis  fragilis). 

Colouration. — Brown,  or  silvery  gray;  a  dark  band  on  the 
back  and  a  band  on  each  side  of  the  body.  Scales  often  edged 
with  brown. 

Variations. — A  dark,  purplish  variety  is  sometimes  found. 
It  is  yellowish  beneath. 

Dimensions. — Total  length,  yi  inches;  length  of  tail,  2f 
inches. 

Distribution. — Southern  California,  from  San  Francisco 
southward.  The  majority  of  specimens  are  from  San  Diego 
County. 

Habits. — A  burrowing  form. 


168 


CHAPTER  XIX:    THE  BEADED  LIZARDS 

FAMILY  HELODERMATID^E 

A  Family  Composed  of  but  Two  Species — The  Gila  Monster  and  the 
Mexican  Beaded  Lizard — Both  of  the  Genus  HELODERMA 
Descriptions  of  the  Species — Their  Habits 

HEAVY-BODIED,  vividly  marked,  and  with  skin  possessing 
closely  set,  bead-like  tubercles,  the  two  species  comprising  the 
family  Helodermatidce  are  quite  unique  in  form  and  thus  easily 
distinguishable  from  the  other  North  American  lacertilians. 
They  are,  moreover,  poisonous,  being  provided  with  grooved 
fangs,  which  appeal  much  in  their  make-up  to  the  poison  conduct- 
ing teeth  of  those  serpents  belonging  to  the  division  Opistho- 
glypha. 

These  creatures  are  the  only  known  poisonous  lizards 
inhabiting  the  New  World.  One  is  confined  to  southern  Ari- 
zona and  New  Mexico;  the  other  is  found  in  western  Mexico 
and  northern  Central  America.  The  latter  species  really  occurs 
far  south  of  the  limits  embraced  by  this  work,  but  it  is  included 
in  order  to  present  a  perfect  outline  of  this  family. 

Considerable  has  appeared  in  print  concerning  the  poisonous 
nature  of  the  Beaded  Lizards.  Different  opinions  vary  to  a 
great  degree.  Some  writers  allege  that  they  are  but  mildly 
poisonous,  with  a  venom  but  slightly  dangerous  to  mankind, 
and  these  authors  are  usually  men  of  technical  knowledge,  but 
unfortunately  given  to  theory  after  the  examination  of  alco- 
holic specimens.  Other,  and  more  popular  writers,  who  have 
actually  observed  the  lizards  in  the  wild  state  and  noted  their 
actions  upon  capture,  declare  them  very  poisonous.  And  yet 
there  are  others,  and  among  them  scientific  men,  who  have 
scoffed  at  the  idea  of  these  reptiles  being  in  any  way  venomous. 
Similar  assertions  have  been  frequent  in  relation  to  certain 
snakes  that  are  actually  dangerous — simply  because  persons 
bitten  by  these  snakes  have  suffered  no  ill  effects  beyond  a  few 
superficial  lacerations  produced  by  the  teeth — a  condition 

169 


The  Beaded  Lizards 

followed  by  an  emphatic  declaration  that  the  particular  creature 
was  wholly  innocuous.  As  is  usual,  such  hasty  conclusions 
are  of  but  little  or  no  value  and  the  incident  in  question  may 
be  easily  explained.  The  person  bitten  was  luckily  seized  only 
by  the  solid  teeth,  with  which  all  snakes  are  provided,  and  not 
by  the  fangs,  as  the  poison-conducting  teeth,  with  that  kind  of 
snake,  are  situated  in  the  rear  of  the  upper  jaw. 

But  to  return  to  the  Beaded  Lizards.  These  reptiles  do 
not  always  eject  their  venom  when  biting.  The  fangs  are  on 
the  lower  jaw  bones,  and  as  they  are  simply  grooved,  do  not 
constitute  the  perfect  instruments  for  the  forcible  injection  of 
poison  as  those  possessed  by  the  Crotaline*  and  Elapinef  snakes. 
Thus  it  may  be  understood  how  accidents  have  happened,  serious 
consequences  avoided  and  consequent  and  energetic  denials  of 
the  venomous  nature  of  these  lizards  have  followed.  After 
years  of  observation  the  writer  unhesitatingly  states  that  he 
considers  the  Beaded  Lizards  to  be  dangerously  poisonous  to 
man,  and  should  be  quite  as  much  respected  with  that  regard 
as  the  majority  of  venomous  serpents.  As  very  appropriately 
in  line,  he  quotes  an  excellent  authority  on  the  poisons  of  rep- 
tiles— Dr.  Gustav  Langmann :  t 

"The  first  confirmation  of  its"  (the  Gila  Monster's)  "poison- 
ous nature  seemed  to  be  established  by  the  discovery  of  grooved 
teeth,  about  3-4  mm.  long,  four  on  either  branch  of  both  maxilla 
and  mandibular.  .  .  .  The  mandibular  appears  somewhat 
swollen,  owing  to  the  projection  of  its  disproportionately  large, 
elongated  submaxillary  glands,  whose  four  separate  ducts  lead  to 
the  base  of  the  above-described  grooved  teeth.  The  buccal 
secretion  is  whitish,  transparent,  slightly  turbid,  somewhat  viscid, 
alkaline.  ...  It  has  the  fragrant  odour  of  calamus "  (sweet- 
flag).  .  .  .  "When  biting  on  a  rubber  cord  an  animal  yields 
on  the  average  five  to  six  drops;  a  large  animal  once  gave 
twenty-two  drops.  The  saliva  dries  in  grayish-white  scales  to 
one-eighth  or  one-tenth  of  its  original  weight. 

"The  arrangement  of  the  teeth  and  of  the  glands  makes  us 
understand  why  opinions  as  to  the  poisonous  nature  of  heloderma 
have  differed  so  widely.  When  an  animal  seizes  its  victim  only 
with  the  front  teeth,  or  does  not  lie  on  its  back  while  biting,  none, 
or  very  little  of  the  buccal  secretion  may  enter  the  wound.  When, 

*  The  thick-bodied  poisonous  serpents — the  rattlesnakes,  copper- 
head, moccasin  and  fer-de-lance. 

f  Represented  in  the  New  World  by  the  Coral  Snakes. 
%  Reference  Handbook  of  Medical  Sciences. 

170 


The  Beaded  Lizards 

however,  a  vigorous  bite  has  been  inflicted,  the  consequent  phe- 
nomena have  proven  the  venomous  character  beyond  any  doubt, 
and  the  hypodermic  application  of  the  pure  saliva  in  sufficient 
doses  has  invariably  proved  fatal  to  the  animals  experimented 
upon — rabbits,  mice  and  frogs. 

"The  first  effect  of  the  injection — an  inability  to  sit  or  stand 
— is  manifested  after  a  short  time,  about  ten  to  fifteen  minutes  in 
frogs,  thirty  minutes  in  rabbits.  A  certain  drowsiness,  similar 
to  a  narcosis,  overpowers  the  animal;  paralysis  and  insensibility 
seem  to  proceed  from  behind  forward.  The  respiration  is  not 
laboured,  but  becomes  gradually  slower  and  superficial  until  the 
animal  expires  after  a  few  hours  with  some  hardly  noticeable 
twitchings.  The  heart  has  first  a  period  of  increased  activity, 
which  is  followed  by  gradual  paralysis  and  a  great  fall  of  arterial 
pressure,  due  to  vascular  dilatation.  While  these  symptoms 
appear  after  a  small  dose  of  venom,  large  doses  seem  to  act  directly 
upon  the  heart  muscle,  the  animals  dying  within  ten  to  twenty 
minutes  with  dyspnoea  and  convulsions.  .  .  .  The  local 
symptoms,  with  rare  exceptions,  are  entirely  wanting;  it  is  even 
difficult  to  find  the  spot  where  the  venom  has  been  injected.  Yet 
it  ought  not  to  be  forgotten  that  a  few  cases  of  persons  bitten  by  a 
heloderma  are  on  record  in  which  extensive  and  painful  local  swell- 
ing is  noted. 

"The  autopsy  shows  nothing  but  a  very  much  dilated  heart 
and  an  enormous  venous  congestion  of  all  internal  organs.  The 
microscopical  examination  of  the  spinal  cord,  however,  reveals 
extensive  changes  in  the  ganglion  cells  of  the  anterior  horns;  in 
fact,  Baily  found  the  changes  almost  identical  with  those  de- 
scribed as  due  to  the  action  of  snake  venom.  It  is  not  hard  to 
believe,  therefore,  that  snake  venom  and  the  saliva  of  heloderma 
are  almost  identical  in  chemical  composition.  .  .  . 

"Treatment. — It  is  to  be  expected  that  the  persons  bitten  by 
a  heloderma  will  seldom  exhibit  grave  symptoms,  except  when 
accidentally  a  blood  vessel  has  been  struck  directly.  A  treat- 
ment after  general  surgical  principles  will  suffice  to  subdue  the 
local  phenomena,  while  the  organism  has  time  to  overcome  the 
effects  of  the  injected  toxin.  Yet  a  ligature  ought  not  to  be 
omitted,  and  otherwise  the  use  of  anti-venomous  serum  should 
be  resorted  to  as  well.  The  similarity  of  the  toxins  of  snake 
venom  and  the  saliva  of  heloderma  justifies  the  administration  of 
the  same  antidote." 

The  two  species  of  Beaded  Lizards  may  be  generally  dis- 
tinguished, as  follows: 

Pink,  or  reddish  yellow,  and  black. 
Head  mottled  with  the  lighter  hue. 

GILA  MONSTER,  H.  SUSpCCtum. 

171 


The  Beaded  Lizards 

Pale  yellow  and  black 
Head  entirely  black. 

MEXICAN  BEADED  LIZARD,  H.  horridum. 

Detailed  descriptions  are  given  herewith: 

THE   GILA   MONSTER* 
Heloderma  suspectum,  (Cope) 

Form  and  surface  unlike  other  lizards;  in  place  of  scales, 
the  body  is  covered  with  bead-like  tubercles  or  points.  Body 
stout,  with  short,  stubby  limbs.  Tail  short  and  thick — rounded. 

Colouration. — Very  variable  as  to  pattern.  The  head  and 
body  are  marbled  with  black  and  a  pale  hue,  which  may  be  salmon 
pink,  flesh-colour,  pinkish,  white,  or  pale  yellow.  With  some 
specimens  the  pale  hue  predominates — with  others,  the  black. 
The  top  of  the  head  generally  shows  considerable  of  the  pinkish 
or  yellowish  markings. 

Beneath,  the  colouration  is  much  the  same  as  above. 

Dimensions. — The  largest  specimen  of  the  Gila  Monster 
that  the  writer  has  had  the  opportunity  to  examine,  showed  a 
total  length  of  twenty-four  inches,  which  is  considerably  over 
the  average — this  being  given  in  the  table  of  measurements : 

Total  Length  . 19    inches. 

Width  of  Body 3f 

Length  of  Tail 6 

Diameter  of  Tail i^ 

Width  of  Head 2j 

Length  of  Head 2^ 

Distribution. — Desert  regions  of  southern  Arizona  and 
New  Mexico — the  valleys  of  the  Gila  River  and  its  tributaries. 
A  few  specimens  have  been  taken  in  extreme  northern  Mexico. 

* 
Habits  of  the  Gila  Monster 

In  a  wild  state  this  creature  is  vicious  and  not  nearly  so 
sluggish  in  actions  as  is  generally  believed.  It  will  turn  and 
snap  with  the  agility  of  an  angry  dog.  In  captivity,  where  it 
thrives  and  soon  becomes  accustomed  to  its  surroundings,  this 
lizard  becomes  the  most  docile  of  creatures  and  will  permit  itself 

*  Pronounced  "Heela  Monster." 

172 


The  Beaded  Lizards 

to  be  handled  in  the  most  unceremonious  manner  without  dis- 
playing a  trace  of  bad  temper. 

A  wild  Gila  Monster  is  a  really  formidable  creature,  if  human 
arm  or  limb  be  within  reach  of  its  powerful  jaws.  The  reptile's 
sudden  twists  as  it  snaps  from  side  to  side  are  wonderfully  agile 
and  difficult  to  avoid.  During  such  demonstrations  it  gives 
voice  to  sharp  hisses  and  opens  its  jaws  widely,  disclosing  the 
black  mouth-parts.  Unfortunate  indeed  is  the  unwary  one 
seized  in  those  fang-studded  jaws,  for  the  lizard  retains  its  hold 
with  a  tenacity  rivalling  a  bulldog.  The  jaws  must  be  actually 
pried  or  torn  apart  in  order  to  free  the  object  grasped,  but  to 
do  this  is  beyond  the  power  of  the  unaided  fingers.  If  the  head 
of  the  reptile  be  severed  from  the  body,  the  vise-like  grip  remains 
the  same.  It  is  when  the  jaws  are  thus  engaged  and  the  fangs 
of  the  lower  are  imbedded  that  the  poisonous  saliva  flows  from 
the  swollen  glands  of  the  chin,  fills  the  grooves  of  the  venom- 
conducting  teeth  and  is  absorbed  into  the  wounds  caused  by 
them.  The  writer  remembers  an  experience  with  four  freshly 
captured  specimens  that  were  snapping  and  hissing,  when  a  stout 
strap  was  placed  within  reach  of  one  of  them.  The  strap  was 
seized  quickly,  when  another  portion  of  its  length  was  placed 
in  front  of  a  second  specimen,  which  also  took  hold.  This  was 
continued  until  all  four  lizards  had  grasped  the  strap  when  it 
was  suspended  from  a  hook  in  the  wall,  the  pugnacious  creatures 
hanging  by  their  jaws  for  ten  minutes  or  more,  when  they  dropped 
off,  one  after  another.  Subsequently,  one  of  these  same  lizards 
seized  a  large  rat  snake  (Coluber  obsoletus  lindheimeri),  by  the 
middle  of  the  body.  The  snake  writhed  and  coiled  about  its 
adversary  in  its  efforts  to  escape,  but  these  struggles  appeared 
to  infuriate  the  lizard,  which  retained  its  hold  until  the  serpent 
was  all  but  dead.  The  snake  died  a  few  hours  after,  either  from 
the  effects  of  the  lizard's  poison,  or  from  internal  injuries  pro- 
duced by  the  powerful  jaws  of  its  adversary — possibly  a  com- 
bination of  both. 

The  four  specimens  described  became  very  tame  after  a 
few  weeks  in  captivity — a  condition  observed  with  most  spec- 
imens. If  approached  suddenly  and  thus  startled,  they  would 
quickly  raise  their  heads  and  turn  to  ascertain  the  condition 
of  affairs.  They  seemingly  enjoyed  the  process  of  having  their 
backs  scratched  and  would  lie  motionless  while  this  attention 

173 


The  Beaded  Lizards 

was  bestowed.  At  the  time  of  writing  the  specimens  have  been 
over  four  years  in  captivity  and  share  a  cage  with  a  number  of 
colubrine  snakes,  over  which  they  walk  or  are  crawled  upon 
by  the  serpents  amid  a  display  of  good  nature  on  either  side. 

As  is  the  case  with  the  majority  of  reptiles,  the  effects  of 
outdoor  air  and  unadulterated  sunshine  exercise  a  peculiar 
influence  over  the  Gila  Monster.  Tame  and  docile  specimens 
may  be  taken  from  an  indoor  cage  and  placed  on  a  sandbank, 
well  heated  by  a  summer  sun,  when  a  quick  mental  change  is 
noted.  Within  a  few  minutes  they  are  actively  nosing  about,  or 
digging  burrows  and  when  disturbed  flash  into  a  state  of  vicious- 
ness  equalling  that  of  perfectly  wild  specimens.  This  demeanour 
soon  vanishes  when  the  reptile  is  again  placed  indoors,  although 
the  temperature  of  the  cage  may  fully  equal  that  of  the  sandbank. 

In  its  progression,  the  Gila  Monster  is  rather  slow  and  me- 
thodical. The  body  is  not  raised  from  the  ground,  but  rather 
dragged  along  by  the  stout  limbs.  The  actions  are,  however, 
by  no  means  clumsy,  and  when  annoyed  but  not  inclined  to 
fight,  it  moves  with  some  show  of  agility,  though  no  actual 
speed.  During  its  progress  the  forked  tongue  is  frequently  em- 
ployed to  examine  the  ground  over  which  the  creature  crawls. 

Like  other  lizards,  the  skin  of  this  species  is  shed  in  patches, 
although  these  are  often  large.  Sometimes  the  skin  of  the  en- 
tire under  surface,  and  a  great  part  of  that  of  the  back,  strips 
off  in  one  section,  while  that  covering  the  limbs,  head  and  tail 
is  shed  a  day  or  so  later. 

The  food  of  this  species  while  in  a  wild  state,  is  not  definitely 
known.  Many  speculations  have  been  advanced  as  to  its  char- 
acter. Some  allege  that  the  natural  food  consists  of  ants;  others 
assert  that  these  reptiles  feed  only  upon  the  eggs  of  birds  and 
reptiles.  Certain  it  is  that  in  captivity  the  Gila  Monster  shows 
a  decided  liking  for  the  eggs  of  fowls  and  reptiles  and  likewise 
decided  indifference  for  insects  and  their  larvae.  It  is  an  inter- 
esting spectacle  to  see  a  number  of  captive  specimens  grouped 
about  a  pan  containing  beaten  eggs,  greedily  lapping  the  con- 
tents with  their  long,  flat  tongues,  then  raising  their  heads  to 
permit  the  fluid  to  run  down  their  throats.  Chopped  meat 
may  be  mixed  with  the  eggs,  forming  a  wholesome  combination 
on  which  the  reptiles  thrive.  They  will  consume  the  crumbled 
pieces  of  hard-toiled  eggs.  If  given  an  egg  entire,  they  break 

174 


The  Beaded  Lizards 

a  hole  through  one  end  of  the  shell  and  lap  out  the  contents.  The 
small,  soft-shelled  eggs  of  lizards  and  the  smaller  snakes  are 
masticated  and  taken  as  a  whole. 

Relative  to  the  feeding  habits,  the  structure  of  the  tail  of 
this  lizard  must  be  explained.  It  acts  as  a  reservoir  for  the 
storage  of  nourishment,  when  food  cannot  be  obtained.  Among 
various  specimens  of  both  species  of  the  Beaded  Lizards,  there 
is  usually  to  be  noted  a  marked  difference  as  to  the  thickness  of 
the  tail.  This  either  appeals  to  well-fed  specimens,  or  to  those 
that  have  been  fasting  and  absorbed  the  fat  from  the  tail.  After 
a  lizard  of  this  genus  has  been  feeding  steadily,  the  tail 
becomes  very  thick  and  round.  A  specimen  with  the  caudal 
appendage  in  this  condition  can  fast  for  some  months  with- 
out discomfort,  but  during  that  time  the  tail  steadily  decreases 
in  circumference.  Thus  it  appears  evident  that  Nature  has 
provided  the  Beaded  Lizards  with  a  reservoir  for  surplus 
nourishment,  and  that  they  experience  difficulty  at  certain 
times  of  the  year  in  procuring  food. 

The  Gila  Monster  is  oviparous,  depositing  rather  large, 
soft-shelled  eggs,  which  are  buried  in  the  sand  of  its  native  home. 
A  captive  specimen  deposited  five  eggs.  One  is  figured.  Illustra- 
tion of  a  female  and  egg. 

Concerning  the  breeding  habits  of  the  Arizona  species, 
Walter  Ralston,  a  sympathetic  observer  of  reptiles,  has  given 
the  writer  valuable  information. 

Mr.  Ralston  has  collected  many  Gila  Monsters  in  Arizona 
and  explains  that  the  eggs  are  laid  in  July  and  August.  The 
female  scoops  out  a  hole  in  damp  sand,  and  deposits  her  eggs 
therein,  when  the  sand  is  shovelled  back  again,  entirely  cover- 
ing the  eggs.  A  number  of  nests  were  discovered,  and  in  these 
the  eggs  varied  from  six  to  thirteen.  The  majority  of  the  eggs 
were  buried  to  a  depth  of  from  three  to  five  inches.  The  situa- 
tion generally  selected  was  open  and  exposed  to  the  sun  for  the 
greater  part  of  the  day,  though  the  nest  was  usually  dug  near 
a  stream,  were  the  infiltration  kept  the  sand  continually  moist- 
ened. The  adaptation  of  such  conditions  for  the  development 
of  a  reptile  egg  may  be  readily  appreciated — moisture  combined 
with  the  heat  of  the  sun. 

Several  specimens  captured  by  Mr.  Ralston  deposited  eggs 
and  he  thus  had  admirable  opportunities  of  studying  the  period 


The  Beaded  Lizards 

of  incubation.  Of  the  batch  obtained  half  of  them  were  placed 
in  damp  sand  and  exposed  to  the  sun.  The  other  half  was 
buried  in  dry  sand  and  likewise  placed  in  the  sunlight.  The 
eggs  that  were  kept  damp  hatched  within  a  period  of  from  twenty- 
eight  to  thirty  days.  Those  placed  in  the  dry  sand  shrivelled 
into  small,  hard  and  shapeless  masses. 

Upon  first  hatching  the  youngsters  were  of  stout  appearance 
and  about  four  inches  long.  Their  colours  were  more  vivid 
than  those  of  the  adults. 

Mr.  Ralston  further  informs  me  that  he  examined  some 
of  the  freshly  laid  eggs  and  found  them  to  contain  minute  but 
well-formed  embryos. 

THE    MEXICAN    BEADED  LIZARD— "ESCORPION" 

Heloderma  horridum,  (Wiegmann) 

In  form,  this  heavy-bodied  lizard  is  very  similar  to  the  pre- 
ceding species,  though  the  tail  is  considerably  longer  in  propor- 
tion to  the  creature's  length. 

Colouration. — The  general  pattern  and  colours  are  quite 
different  from  the  Gila  Monster.  The  upper  and  lower  surfaces 
are  black  or  dark  brown,  with  scattered  spots  and  blotches  of 
rich  yellow.  With  the  majority  of  specimens,  the  black  pre- 
dominates, and  with  many  specimens  the  yellow  is  confined  to 
single,  scattered  tubercles.  The  head  is  usually  uniform  black.* 

With  young  individuals  the  tail  is  broadly  and  vividly 
ringed  with  yellow,  a  character  that  appears  to  give  way  with 
maturity  to  narrow  and  broken  rings.  Young  specimens  are 
jet  black,  with  vivid  yellow  markings.  The  older  specimens 
show  a  brownish  body  colour,  while  the  yellow  is  rather  dull 
and  not  sharply  defined  on  many.  Although  the  writer  has 
examined  over  fifty  specimens  of  this  species  before  compiling 
this  description  he  has  not  noted  a  suggestion  of  th&  peculiar 
pinkish  shades  so  often  seen  with  the  Gila  Monster. 

Dimensions. — The  Mexican  Beaded  Lizard  attains  a  larger 
size  than  the  species  inhabiting  the  United  States.  Following 
are  the  measurements  of  an  adult  specimen,  from  Guerrero, 
Mexico: 


*  An  important  character  of  differentiation  from  the  Gila  Monster 
with  which  the  head  is  generally  well  blotched  with  the  lighter  hue. 

176 


The  Beaded  Lizards 

Total  Length 26^  inches. 

t Length  of  Tail 12^ 

Width  of  Head 2f 

From  these  dimensions,  the  proportionately  much  longer 
tail  of  this  species  than  with  the  preceding  one  may  be  ap- 
preciated. 

Distribution. — Between  the  habitat  of  this  species  and  that 
of  the  Gila  Monster,  is  a  wide,  dividing  area.  This  reptile  in- 
habits central  and  western  Mexico,  from  latitude  25,  southward 
to  northern  Central  America. 

Habits. — In  its  mode  of  life  and  disposition,  the  Mexican 
Beaded  Lizard  appears  in  no  way  to  differ  from  the  Gila  Monster- 

t  Note  the  proportionately  long  tail. 


177 


CHAPTER  XX :   THE  FAMILY  XANTUSIID^ 

A  Small  Family  of  Diminutive  Lizards — Five  Species  inhabit  South- 
western North  America 

Classification  and  Distribution. — The  Family  Xaniusiidct 
is  a  small  one,  comprising  three  genera  and  a  total  number  of 
seven  species.  Lepidophyma  contains  a  single,  Central  Ameri- 
can species;  Cricosaura  is  also  composed  of  one  species,  which 
inhabits  Cuba;  Xantusia  contains  five  species — all  inhabiting 
California  and  Lower  California.  The  family  is  most  nearly 
allied  to  the  Old  World  Lacertidce. 

The  North  American  species  are  diminutive,  with  rather 
cylindrical  body  and  very  short  limbs.  On  the  back  and  sides 
the  scales  are  fine  and  granular;  the  abdomen  is  covered  with 
plates;  on  the  tail  the  scalation  is  in  fine  rings. 

The  top  of  the  head  is  covered  with  large,  symmetrical  shields. 
There  are  three  folds  of  skin  on  the  throat.  The  species 
have  no  eye-lids  and  with  most  of  them  the  eye  is  very  large; 
all  have  a  vertical  (cat-like)  pupil.  The  habit  of  frequently 
changing  colour  has  been  noted  among  these  lizards;  this  is 
mainly  influenced  by  light  and  temperature. 

The  species  of  Xantusia  inhabit  barren  or  desert  regions. 
They  are  nocturnal  in  habits. 

Key  to  the  Species 

I.  Limbs  very  short. 

a.  Length  about  3^  inches. 

Eyes  large.     Pale  brown,  speckled  with  dark  brown. 

XANTUS'S   LIZARD,  X.  Vlgilis. 

Distribution. — Southeastern  California. 
Eye  small.     Dark  clay  color,  with  black  specks. 
A  yellowish  band  on  each  side  of  back. 

GILBERT'S  LIZARD,  X.  gilberti. 
Distribution. — One  specimen  known ;    from    Lower 
California. 

b.  Length  about  5  inches. 

178 


The  Family  Jia.ntttsiida.e 

Eye  large.     Blackish  brown,  irregularly  marbled  with 
cream-coloured  lines. 

HENSHAW'S  LIZARD,  X.  henshawi. 
Distribution. — San  Diego  County,  California. 
II.  Limbs  proportionately  longer. 

Eye  large.     Pale  brown ;  two  rows  of  large,  pale-edged 

brown  spots.  COPE'S  LIZARD,  X.  picta. 

Distribution. — One  specimen  known;  from  southern 

California. 
c.     Length  about  7  inches. 

Eye  large.     Gray  or  brown,  dotted  with  black. 

RIVERS'  LIZARD,  X.  riversiana. 
Distribution. — Santa   Barbara   Island,  coast  of  Cal- 
ifornia. 

Mr.  John  J.  Van  Denburgh  has  added  valuable  information 
to  the  previous  scanty  descriptions  of  these  lizards  and  their 
habits.  In  the  following  detailed  list,  the  writer  has  drawn 
freely  from  Mr.  Van  Denburgh's  paper  on  the  genus.* 

Xantus's  Lizard,  Xantusia  vigilis,  Baird.  This  is  the 
smallest  species.  Together  with  the  three  succeeding  species,  it 
shows  a  single  row  of  small  plates  directly  over  the  eye.  The 
remaining  species,  X.  riversiana,  has  two  rows  of  these  scales. 

The  plates  of  the  abdomen  are  in  twelve  (longitudinal)  series. 

Colouration. —  "The  ground  colour  on  different  specimens 
varies  from  smoke  gray,  through  many  shades  of  yellow  and 
brown,  to  clove  brown.  Scattered  granules  are  brown  or  black. 
At  times  these  dark  granules  are  so  numerous  as  to  become  con- 
fluent with  a  tendency  to  form  longitudinal  lines.  In  other 
individuals  they  are  scarcely  visible.  ...  A  yellowish  line 
usually  runs  back  on  the  neck  from  the  outer  edges  of  each  occipital 
plate.  Two  similar  lines  are  sometimes  present  on  the  nape. 
The  lower  parts  are  creamy  white,  sometimes  clouded  with  brown 
toward  the  sides.  The  young  average  much  darker  than  the 
adults."  (Van  Denburgh.) 

Dimensions. — Total  Length 3^  inches. 

Length  of  Tail if       " 

Length  of  Hind  Limb f      " 

'  Front    '       T\ 

Distribution. — Concerning  the  distribution,  Mr.  Van  Den- 
burgh has  explained  fully,  thus:  "The  first  representatives  of 

*  Proc.  Oal.  Acad.  Sci.,  Ser.  2,  Vol.  X. 

179 


. 


The  Family  Xa.ntitsiid&e 

Xantusia  vigilis  were  found  at  Fort  Tejon,  California,  by  Mr. 
John  Xantus,  who  furnished  the  three  specimens  upon  which 
Prof.  Baird  based  his  original  description,  published  in  the 
Proceedings  of  the  Academy  of  Natural  Sciences  of  Philadelphia, 
1858.  Nothing  more  concerning  it  appeared  until  May,  1893, 
when  Dr.  Stejneger  recorded  two  specimens,  secured  by  the 
Death  Valley  Expedition  in  1891.  Nothing  has  been  known 
about  its  habits  and  this  very  interesting  species  has  been  con- 
sidered one  of  the  rarest  of  our  reptiles. 

"Distribution. — In  reality,  X.  vigilis  is  the  most  abundant 
lizard  in  the  territory  it  has  chosen  for  its  home.  It  seems  to 
be  peculiarly  dependent  upon  the  presence  of  tree  yuccas.  A 
glance  at  Dr.  Merriam's  map*  shows  that  these  weird  plants 
grow  in  each  of  the  localities  from  which  the  species  has  been 
recorded,  viz.:  Fort  Tejon  in  the  Canada  de  las  Uvas,  and  Hes- 
peria,  in  California,  and  Pahrump  Valley,  in  Nevada. 

"Dr.  Charles  H.  Gilbert  and  the  writer  collected  speci- 
mens near  Mojave,  and  found  a  portion  of  a  cast  skin  at  Victor, 
California,  in  November,  1893.  In  September  of  the  following 
year,  the  writer  found  this  species  common  at  Mojave  and  Hes- 
peria,  and  secured  a  single  specimen  near  Cabazon  on  the  eastern 
slope  of  San  Gorgonio  Pass,  California.  The  first  three  of  .these 
localities  are  situated  in  the  great  Yucca  arborescens  belt,  which 
extends  along  the  southwestern  edge  of  the  Mojave  Desert.  The 
last  is  in  a  small  and  apparently  isolated  grove  of  smaller  tree 
yuccas,  seemingly  of  another  species. 

"Habits. — Mojave,  California,  Nov.  4,  1893.  About  a  mile 
from  the  station,  there  is  a  considerable  forest  of  Yucca  arborescens. 
The  many  trees  and  wind-broken  branches,  which  lie  decaying 
on  the  ground,  afford  a  home  to  numerous  colonies  of  white  ants, 
scorpions,  vicious-looking  black  spiders  and  several  species 
of  beetles.  In  a  deep  crack  of  one  of  these  branches  a  small 
lizard  was  discovered  which,  when  caught,  proved  to  be  a  young 
Xantusia  vigilis.  Probably  it  had  not  yet  learned  how  to  hide 
from  the  day,  for  I  have  never  seen  another  undisturbed  individual. 

"The  key  to  their  home  once  discovered,  the  collection  of 
a  large  series  of  these  lizards  was  merely  a  matter  of  physical 
exertion.  Every  fourth  or  fifth  stem  that  was  examined  gave 
up  its  Xantusia,  and  in  one  instance  five,  as  many  as  were  pre- 
viously known  to  collections,  were  found  under  a  single  tree. 

180 


The  Family  Xantusiidae 

"Most  of  the  lizards  were  found  between  the  bark  and  the 
ground,  but  many  had  hidden  in  the  thick  clusters  of  dead  leaves, 
from  which  it  was  very  difficult  to  dislodge  them.  When  first 
exposed  to  the  light,  they  were  dark  coloured,  and  seemed  dazzled 
for  a  moment,  during  which  they  made  no  attempt  to  escape. 
They  were  not  at  all  sluggish,  however,  and,  if  not  caught  imme- 
diately, made  for  the  nearest  cover  as  fast  as  their  very  short 
legs  would  permit.  This  cover  was  often  the  collector,  and  the 
little  lizards  either  hid  under  his  shoes,  or  climbed  his  legs,  some- 
times even  reaching  his  shoulders.  They  showed  no  desire  to 
enter  the  numerous  holes  in  the  ground  about  them,  or  to  escape 
by  burrowing.  Put  into  a  glass  bottle  they  became  very  light 
coloured  in  a  few  minutes,  but  began  to  turn  dark  again  imme- 
diately after  sundown.  Young  specimens  were  numerous,  and 
remained  dark  longer  than  adults.  Many  fragments  of  cast 
skins  were  found;  but  never  a  whole  skin  in  one  place.  The 
stomachs  of  several  individuals  contained  the  wings  of  some  small 
dipterous  insect,  the  elytra  of  a  little  brown  beetle,  and  .some 
very  small  white  bodies  which  resemble  spiders'  eggs. 

"Several  specimens  were  taken  alive  to  the  Leland  Stan- 
ford Junior  University,  and  kept  for  some  months  in  a  large 
glass  jar  in  which  some  fine  sand  and  pieces  of  wood  and  bark 
had  been  placed.  At  first,  they  ventured  out  from  their  retreat 
only  at  dusk  unless  disturbed,  but  after  a  few  days  they  seemed 
to  become  more  restless,  and,  urged  perhaps  by  hunger,  showed 
themselves  many  times  each  day.  At  night,  when  they  were 
always  more  active,  they  often  climbed  to  the  top  of  a  piece  of 
yucca  stem  placed  upright  in  the  middle  of  their  cage.  No  de- 
sire to  burrow  was  observed.  All  declined  to  show  any  interest 
in  the  small  beetles  and  flies,  both  dead  and  living,  which  were 
placed  in  the  jar,  and  finally  became  greatly  emaciated.  They 
were  chloroformed  in  March,  1894. 

"Mojave,  Gal.,  Sept.  17-18,  1894.  As  it  was  not  practicable 
to  learn  by  actual  investigation  whether  or  not  X.  vigilis  hid, 
during  the  day,  among  the  thick-growing  leaves  of  the  living 
yuccas,  the  localities  examined  in  1893,  still  clearly  marked  by 
the  displaced  rubbish,  were  searched  with  great  care.  The  fact 
that  very  few  specimens  were  now  secured  in  this  previously 
worked  area  while  the  species  were  very  common  just  outside  its 
limits,  is  evidence  that  the  specimens  found  on  the  ground  under 

181 


The  Family  Xantusiidae. 

the  dead  branches  were  in  their  true  diurnal  home,  and  not  mere 
stragglers  from  the  living  yuccas. 

"The  specimens  were  all  caught  alive  and  put  into  a  large 
glass  bottle,  but  were  soon  killed  by  the  heat,  although  care  was 
taken  to  keep  them  in  the  shade  as  much  as  possible.  Count 
was  kept  as  the  lizards  were  placed  in  the  bottle,  and  showed 
later  that  several  more  were  taken  out  than  had  been  put  in. 
This  may  have  been  due  to  a  mistake  in  the  record,  but  was  more 
probably  caused  by  the  birth  of  young  after  capture.  The  adults 
were  afterward  carefully  examined  and  three  were  found  to  con- 
tain young,  showing  that  the  species  is  ovoviparous.  One  of 
the  three  contains  two  foetuses,  and  the  others  have  one  each. 
These  foetal  specimens  are  about  the  size  of  the  young  found 
under  the  dead  branches. 

"Hesperia,  Cal.,  Sept.  26th,  1894.  Xantusias  were  very 
abundant.  Young  were  as  numerous  as  at  Mojave,  Sept.  17-18, 
1894,  and  the  habits  observed  were  the  same  as  recorded 
there. 

"Cabazon,  Cal.,  Sept.  28,  1894.  A  single  specimen,  secured 
after  several  hours  searching,  was  shaken  from  the  dry  leaves 
of  a  dead  but  still  standing  yucca  about  two  feet  high." 

Cope's  Lizard,  Xantusia  picta,  Cope. — In  his  description 
of  this  lizard,  Cope  explains  that  it  may  be  recognised  by  its  pro- 
portionately longer  limbs  and  tail,  and  by  the  colouration.  It 
is  most  nearly  allied  to  Xantus's  Lizard. 

Colouration. — Light,  pinkish  gray,  with  two  rows  of  large, 
purplish  brown  spots,  which  are  separated  by  narrow  lines  of 
ground-colour.  The  tail  is  similarly  marked  with  smaller  spots 
— these  farther  apart. 

Dimensions. — Total  length,  4!  inches;  tail,  2|  inches. 

Distribution. — One  specimen  known ;  from  Tejon  Pass,  south- 
ern California.  ^ 

Gilbert's  Lizard,  Xantusia  gilberti,  Van  Denburgfi,  has  a 
scalation  rather  similar  to  the  preceding  species,  but  there  are 
two  frontal  plates,  instead  of  a  single  frontal.  The  eye  is  much 
smaller  than  that  of  the  preceding. 

Colouration. — Above  dark,  brownish  clay  colour,  dotted 
with  black  on  single  scales  or  granules.  A  pale  brownish  band, 
the  width  of  two  scales  or  granules,  extends  backward  on  each 
side  of  the  neck,  from  the  head  shields;  it  becomes  obscure  on 

182 


The  Family  Xaniusiidae 

the  back,  but  may  be  again  discerned  over  the  thighs.  The 
abdomen  is  yellowish  white. 

Dimensions. — Total  length  about  3  inches;  tail,  i£  inches. 

Distribution. — One  specimen  known  and  taken  at  San 
Francisquito,  Sierra  Laguna,  Lower  California. 

Henshaw's  Lizard,  Xantusia  benshawi,  Stejneger,  differs 
from  the  species  already  described  in  having  fourteen  (longitudi- 
nal) series  of  plates  on  the  abdomen.  The  eye  is  large. 

Colouration. — Blackish  brown  above,  irregularly  marbled 
with  cream-coloured  lines;  on  the  tail  these  show  a  tendency 
to  form  cross-bands.  White  beneath. 

Dimensions. — Total  Length 5!  inches. 

Length  of  Tail 3! 

Distribution. — The  species  has  been  found  only  at  Witch 
Creek,  San  Diego  County,  California — in  the  chaparral  belt. 

Habits. — Concerning  the  habits,  Mr.  Van  Denburgh  remarks: 

"Here  this  species  lives  among  the  numerous  granite 
boulders,  and  comes  out  into  the  narrower  crevices  between  them 
a  few  minutes  before  dark.  It  is,  therefore,  practicable  to  hunt 
for  it  only  about  fifteen  or  twenty  minutes  each  day.  If  a  bit 
of  string  or  a  straw  be  introduced  into  the  domain  of  one  of  these 
lizards  it  will  often  be  seized,  the  reptile  apparently  mistaking 
it  for  some  stray  insect." 

Rivers'  Lizard,  Xantusia  riversiana,  Cope. — The  largest 
species.  Differs  from  the  others  in  having  two  series  of  small 
plates  over  the  eye  and  the  plates  of  the  abdomen  in  sixteen 
(longitudinal)  series. 

Colouration. — Gray  or  brown  with  irregularly-scattered 
brown  or  black  spots.  On  some  specimens  the  spots  fuse  into 
lines. 

Dimensions. — Total  Length 7     inches. 

Length  of  Tail 3^ 

Length  of  Front  Limb I  £       " 

"       "   Hind     "         ii       " 

Length  of  Head H 

Distribution. — San  Clemen  te,  San  Nicholas  and  Santa 
Catalina  Islands,  off  coast  of  California. 


183 


CHAPTER   XXI:    THE   STRIPED    LIZARDS  OR 
"RACE   RUNNERS" 

FAMILY  TEIID^E — GENUS  CNEMIDOPHORUS 

THE  Teiidce  is  a  fair-sized  family  of  lizards  and  its  members 
are  confined  to  the  New  World.  The  majority  occur  in  Central 
America,  South  America  and  the  West  Indies.  Some  attain 
a  large  size.  The  family  is  most  nearly  allied  to  the  Old  World 
Lacertidce.  Species  of  but  one  genus  are  found  in  North  America. 

The  Genus  Cnemidophorus. — The  Striped  Lizards  or  "Race 
Runners."  Collectively,  these  lizards  may  be  readily  recognised. 
They  are  slender  and  graceful  in  build,  with  strong  limbs,  long 
and  gradually  tapering  tail,  and  rather  pointed  head.  The 
upper  portion  of  the  head  is  covered  with  large,  symmetrical 
shields;  the  scalation  of  the  upper  part  of  the  body  is  very  fine 
and  granular;  beneath,  the  body  is  plated,  in  alligator-like 
fashion;  the  tail  is  covered  with  rings  of  coarse  scales.  Strongly 
forked  at  the  tip,  blackish  and  snake-like,  the  tongue  is  a  use- 
ful organ  and  frequently  employed  in  examining  the  ground  over 
which  the  creature  walks. 

It  is  by  the  colouration  that  the  species  generally  may  be 
readily  recognised.  The  ground-colour  is  olive  or  brown;  ex- 
tending from  the  back  of  the  head  to  the  base  of  the  tail  are  nar- 
row, but  sharply  defined  yellow  stripes,  from  four  to  six  in  num- 
ber— on  young  examples. 

With  maturity,  some  of  the  species  lose  the  stripes  and 
become  spotted  or  cross-banded. 

The  Striped  Lizards  are  among  the  most  familiar  reptiles 
of  the  southern  United  States  and  northern  Mexico.  An  abun- 
dant species  occurs  in  the  East;  the  Southwest  is  rich  in  species. 
These  lizards  are  strictly  terrestrial.  They  frequent  dry  and 
open  places  exposed  to  an  all-day  glare  of  the  sun.  Here  they 
literally  skim  over  the  ground  when  startled.  So  great  is  their 
activity  in  running  that  the  human  eye  is  unable  to  follow  the 
progress  of  the  smaller  individuals  beyond  tracing  a  blurred 

184 


The  Striped  Lizards  or  "  Race  Runners  " 

streak  over  the  ground.    When  the  animal  terminates  its  dash 
for  safety,  it  stops  so  abruptly  that  it  seems  to  vanish. 


In  the  preparation  of  a  resume  of  the  species  of  Cnemi- 
dophorus,  the  writer  finds  himself  confronted  by  the  most  difficult 
proposition  of  any  yet  encountered  in  this  work.  Provided 
with  a  fine  series  of  specimens,  he  has  attacked  the  obstacle 
from  every  side — and  with  little  success.  For  this  genus  he  is 
unable  to  construct  a  popular  key  and  he  will  not  presume  to 
offer  any  but  concise  descriptions  of  the  alleged  species.  To 
go  into  detail  would  be  to  construct  descriptions  that  could 
be  comprehended  only  by  the  most  advanced  technical 
worker.  The  definition  of  the  species  is  the  greatest  puzzle  of 
North  American  herpetology.  American  writers  have  undoubt- 
edly expended  an  excess  of  energy  in  naming  species  and  sub- 
species— varieties.  Single  specimens  have  been  provided  with 
full  specific  names  and  the  descriptions  have  been  founded  upon 
petty  characters  of  pattern  or  scalation.  Among  lizards  where 
a  certain  amount  of  variation  is  marked,  this  course  seems  al- 
together unwise.  Foreign  writers  have  worked  in  such  extreme 
opposition  that  a  comparison  of  the  two  methods  is  quite  be- 
wildering. Nothing  can  straighten  out  this  problem  but  the 
work  of  some  one  who  makes  a  specialty  of  the  genus,  gathers 
about  him  elaborate  series  of  all  the  species  (?)  and  notes  his 
observations  impartially. 

The  student  should  remember,  in  examining  the  list  that 
follows,  the  characteristic  of  some  species  in  retaining  a  striped 
pattern  through  life,  and  the  loss  of  the  stripes  and  consequent 
marbled  or  cross-banded  pattern  of  others. 

The  Cape  Striped  Lizard,  Cnemidoplorus  hyperyihrus, 
(Cope). — This,  and  the  succeeding  lizard,  C.  sericeus,  may  be  told 
from  the  other  species  by  the  scalation  of  the  head.  Behind  the 
central  region — between  the  eyes — is  a  single  plate,  a  condition 
technically  described  as  "frontoparietal  plates  fused  together." 
It  has  been  employed  to  establish  a  separate  genus — Veriicaria 
of  Cope.  The  other  striped  lizards  have  this  plate  divided.  (See 
illustrations). 

Colouration. — Light  brown  or  olive  above;  sides  black. 
Two  yellow  stripes  on  each  side  and  two  pale  stripes  on  the 

185 


The  Striped  Lizards  or  "  Race  Runners  " 

back.  Abdomen  red.  Appears  to  retain  the  striped  pattern 
through  life. 

Attains  a  length  of  eight  inches;  tail  5^  inches. 

Distribution. — The  peninsula  of  Lower  California,  and 
as  far  north  as  San  Diego,  California.  An  abundant  lizard. 

Van  Denburgh's  Striped  Lizard,  Cnemidophoms  sericeus, 
(Van  Denburgh). — Closely  allied  to  the  preceding,  as  it  has  a 
single  plate  behind  the  frontal — between  the  eyes. 

Colouration. — Dark  brown  above,  with  a  central,  bluish- 
white  stripe,  forking  on  the  neck;  two  similar  stripes  on  each 
side.  Sides  much  paler  than  the  back.  Abdomen  bluish. 

Attains  a  length  of  about  eight  inches. 

Distribution. — Recorded  from  San  Jose"  Island,  Gulf  of 
California. 

The  Large  Striped  Lizard,  Cnemidopborus  maximus,  (Cope). 
— This,  and  all  of  the  succeeding  North  American  species  of 
Cnemidophoms,  have  a  pair  of  plates  behind  the  large  frontal — 
between  the  eyes. 

Largest  species  of  the  genus;  grows  to  a  length  of  two  feet 
and  occasionally  longer.  Plates  of  the  abdomen  in  eight  rows. 
Scalation  of  the  back  exceedingly  fine. 

Colouration. — Olive  brown  above,  with  three  brown  bands 
on  each  side,  about  as  wide  as  the  intervals  between  them; 
these  are  often  so  broken  by  spots  of  the  ground-colour  as  to 
resemble  rows  of  light  spots  or  confluent  variations  of  the  ground- 
colour. (Cope) . 

Upper  surface  of  tail  and  sides  of  neck  black.  Shields  of 
the  abdomen  tipped  with  black.  Under  surface  of  tail  and  hind 
limbs,  bright  yellow. 

Old  specimens  are  so  strongly  barred  with  light  and  dark 
hues  that  the  pattern  lacks  all  traces  of  stripes.  The  young 
have  strongly  defined  and  uninterrupted  light  and  dark^bands. 

Distribution. — The  Cape  Region,  Lower  California. 

The  Tessellated  Lizard,  Cnemidopborus  tessellatus,  (Say). — 
Attains  a  length  of  sixteen  inches.  Differs  from  the  large  striped 
lizard  by  the  coarser  scales  on  the  back,  the  narrow  and  brighter 
stripes  and  its  smaller  size. 

Colouration. — Young,  dark  olive,  with  four  to  seven  pale 
yellow  stripes  on  the  back  and  sides,  which  are  narrower  than 
the  dark  spaces  between  them.  As  the  lizard  grows  larger,  a 

186 


The  Striped  Lizards  or  "  Race  Runners  " 

row  of  yellow  dots  appears  on  each  dark  area  between  the  stripes; 
these  spots  finally  fuse  across  the  dark  area  and  into  the  lines, 
entirely  breaking  up  the  striped  pattern  and  bringing  about  an 
effect  of  wavy  and  narrow,  yellow  cross-bands,  alternating  with 
dark  ones;  as  the  alternate  light  and  dark  patches  are  fine  and 
irregular,  the  eifect  is  a  marbled  or  tessellated  pattern — hence 
the  technical  name. 

Variations. — Five  varieties  have  been  described,  these  re- 
lating to  colouration.  They  appear  to  represent  different  stages 
in  the  colour  metamorphosis,  only.  In  some  portions  of  the 
range  the  process  seems  to  be  incomplete;  in  others  it  continues 
to  an  extreme  degree  and  the  change  from  a  striped  example 
to  one  with  a  marbled  pattern,  is  striking. 

Dimensions. — Total  Length 18     inches. 

Length  of  Tail 12 

Width  of  Head i 

Length  of  Head i  i 

Length  of  Hind  Limb }f 

'  Front  2 

Distribution. — Northern  Mexico  and  southwestern  Texas; 
New  Mexico,  Arizona,  Nevada,  Utah,  eastern  California  and 
Lower  California.  Occurs  most  commonly  in  sub-arid  regions 
and  in  the  deserts. 

Graham's  Lizard;  Tiger  Lizard,  Cnemidophorus  grdhami, 
(B.  &  G.).  Differs  from  the  tessellated  lizard  in  the  much  coarser, 
light  and  dark  markings.  The  limbs  are  vividly  blotched. 

Grows  to  a  length  of  fourteen  inches. 

Distribution. — Apparently  a  rare  lizard.  Several  examples 
have  been  taken  in  Texas,  between  Antonio  and  El  Paso.  A 
variety  is  recorded  from  Lower  California. 

The  Spotted  Race  Runner,  Cnemidophorus gularis,  (B.  &G.). 
Closely  allied  to  the  succeeding  species,  but  each  of  the  dark 
spaces  between  the  stripes  contains  a  row  of  pale  dots  or  blotches 
on  the  adult;  these  dots  do  not  encroach  upon  the  stripes  as  is 
the  case  of  the  two  preceding  reptiles. 

Snout  considerably  more  pointed  than  that  of  the  near 
ally — C.  sexlineatus. 

Colouration. — Brown,  or  olive,  with  six  sharply  defined 
yellow  stripes;  these  are  persistent  through  life.  Young  individ- 
uals are  simply  striped;  as  they  grow  older,  a  row  of  pale  dots 

187 


The  Striped  Lizards  or  "  Race  Runners  " 

appears  in  each  of  the  dark  areas  between  the  stripes;  throat 
of  the  male,  black. 

Seven  varieties  have  been  named.  Most  of  these  are  found 
in  Mexico. 

Dimensions. — Ten  to  twelve  inches. 

Distribution. — The  form  described  is  found  in  central  and 
western  Texas,  New  Mexico  and  Arizona.  It  is  an  abundant 
reptile. 

The  Six-lined  Lizard ;  Race  Runner,  Cnemidopborus  sex- 
lineatus,  (Linn.). — One  of  the  smallest  species,  attaining  a  length 
of  about  ten  inches.  Retains  the  striped  pattern  through  life. 
The  muzzle  is  considerably  more  blunt  than  of  any  of  the  other 
species. 

Colouration. — Dark  brown,  with  six  bright  yellow  stripes, 
beginning  at  the  head  and  running  to  the  base  of  the  tail,  where 
they  become  less  distinct,  though  the  stripes  of  the  sides  may 
continue  on  the  tail  for  about  one-fifth  its  length.  On  the  centre 
of  the  back,  is  a  broad,  pale  brownish  band,  extending  from 
behind  the  head  to  the  base  of  the  tail;  it  is  about  an  eighth  of  an 
inch  wide  on  a  mature  specimen. 

Abdomen  greenish  or  bluish. 

Dimensions. — Total  Length 9!  inches. 

Length  of  Tail 7 

Width  of  Head TV 

Length  of  Head f 

Length  of  Front  Limb i 

Length  of  Hind  Limb 2 

Distribution. — Extends  over  a  large  area.  Found  along 
the  Atlantic  Coast  from  Delaware,  southward  throughout  Florida; 
westward  to  California.  In  the  Central  Region,  it  extends  as 
far  north  as  northern  Nebraska. 

Cerros  Island  Striped  Lizard,  Cnemidopborus  Jabialis, 
(Stejneger). — A  small  species,  apparently  striped  througn  life. 

"Nasal  in  contact  with  second  supralabial;  post  nasal 
and  first  supralabial  not  in  contact."  (Stejneger). 

Colouration. — Dark  brown,  with  six  pale  lines;  a  central, 
clay-coloured  band  of  same  width  as  top  of  head.  Abdomen 
white,  or  suffused  with  blue. 

Dimensions. — Six  to  eight  inches. 

Distribution. — Cerros  Island,  off  coast  of  Lower  California. 

1 88 


THE  REPTILE  BOOK 


PLATE  LV 


SIX-LINED  LIZARD;  RACERUNNER,  Cnemidophorus  sexlineatiis 

The  smallest  species  of  a  genus  remarkable  for  the  activity  of  its  members.     The  present  species 
retains  the  striped  pattern  through  life 


SPOTTED  RACERUNNER,  Cnemidophorus  gularis 
With  the  young  the  pattern  consists  of  stripes.     The  adult  has  both  stripes  and  spots 


TESSELLATED  LIZARD;  WHIP-TAIL,  Cnemidophorus  tessellatus 
Young  individuals  are  striped.     Note  the  entire  change  of  pattern  on  the  adult 


THE  REPTILE  BOOK 


PLATE  LVI 


TWO-FOOTED  WORM  LIZARD,   Bipes  caniculatus 

Worm-like  and  practically  blind,  this  degenerate  lizard  leads  a  subterraneous  life,  burrowing  long  tunnels,  through  which  it 

moves  backward  or  forward. 


FLORIDA  WORM  LIZARD,  Rhineura  floridana 
A  diminutive,  worm-like  species  of  the  degenerate  family  A  mphisbanida 


The  Striped  Lizards  or  "  Race  Runners  " 

Habits  of  ibe  Striped  Lizards 

Ground-loving  reptiles,  the  "Race  Runners" — as  these  lizards 
are  often  called — are  among  the  most  active  of  the  North  Amer- 
ican lacertilians.  They  seldom  show  a  desire  to  climb,  but 
frequent  dry,  sandy  places  and  the  borders  of  dusty  roads;  they 
teem  in  the  sub-arid  plains  of  western  Texas  and  occur  in  the 
deserts  of  the  far  West;  in  these  places  they  dig  burrows,  in 
which  to  shelter  at  night.  When  pursued,  they  seemingly  keep 
these  locations  in  mind,  for  they  speed  over  the  ground  and  usually 
straight  to  a  hole,  darting  into  it  with  lightning-like  activity. 

That  these  fleet-footed  creatures  have  keen  eyes  and  wits 
the  writer  has  many  times  noted.  In  chasing  the  Eastern  species 
over  sandy  stretches — after  heading  a  specimen  away  from  fur- 
rowed ground — he  has  often  seen  a  lizard  turn,  after  pursuing 
a  straight  course,  then  rush  at  a  speed  equal  to  a  man  on  a  run, 
straight  for  the  burrow  of  a  mouse,  or  for  a  small  thicket,  and 
disappear  in  an  instant.  These  lizards  were  abundant  in  the 
district  where  he  collected  for  several  weeks,  but  their  activity 
was  so  pronounced,  that  barely  a  dozen  specimens  were  captured 
alive. 

The  Race  Runners  show  none  of  the  changes  of  colour  to 
be  noted  with  many  of  our  lizards.  For  the  most  part,  they 
are  insectivorous,  but  the  adults  are  not  averse  to  feasting  upon 
the  eggs  of  small  birds  that  build  their  nests  on  the  ground. 
The  lizard  cracks  the  shell  with  its  strong  jaws  and  laps  up  the 
contents,  with  the  long,  flat,  forked  tongue.  All  of  the  species 
lay  thin-shelled  eggs.  The  female  scoops  out  a  hollow  in  the 
sand,  and,  carefully  covering  the  eggs,  leaves  them  to  be  hatched 
by  the  sun's  heat. 


189 


CHAPTER  XXII :  THE  WORM-LIKE  LIZARDS 

The  Families  EUCHIROTID/E  and  AMPHISBCENID/E,  Embrac- 
ing the  Most  Degenerate  of  the  Lizards — Descriptions  of  the 
North  American  species 

AFTER  the  consideration  of  the  several  families  of  agile 
and  strong-limbed  lacertilians  that  followed  the  glass  "snakes" 
and  their  allies — Anguidce,  the  student  is  again  referred  to  a 
group  of  degenerate  lizards,  the  majority  limbless,  which,  instead 
of  being  serpentine  in  aspect  as  were  the  species  of  the  Anguidce 
and  Aniellidce,  are  distinctly  worm-like.  To  the  popular  eye 
they  are  wholly  unlike  a  reptile;  moreover,  their  methods  of 
locomotion  at  once  suggest  their  lowly  position  in  the  scale  of 
reptile  life. 

These  lizards  possess  no  scales,  as  is  the  case  with  other 
lacertilians.  The  integument  is  made  up  of  narrow,  ring-like 
segments,  which  add  to  the  worm-like  aspect.  Most  of  the  species 
are  provided  with  large  shields  on  the  top  of  the  head  and  on  the 
chin.  It  is  by  means  of  the  segments  that  these  creatures  pro- 
gress. They  are  movable,  and  carry  the  reptile  slowly  forward 
or  backward  with  equal  facility.  The  segments  are  employed  in 
sections,  with  wave-like  movements  that  recall  the  crawling  of 
a  millepede,  or  the  use  of  the  "foot"  muscles  of  a  large  snail 
that  is  observed  upon  a  pane  of  glass.  Frequently  these  lizards 
progress  by  a  series  of  many  slight,  vertical  undulations,  which 
are  always,  however,  largely  assisted  by  the  movements  of  the 
segments.  In  a  subterraneous  existence  eyes  are  superfluous. 
The  sense  of  smell  and  functions  of  the  delicate  and  invaluable 
reptilian  tongue  are  greatly  developed.  The  entire  integument 
is  also  extremely  sensitive. 

All  of  the  species  included  in  this  chapter  are  burrowers  and 
lead  an  underground  life.  They  are  practically  blind,  as  the 
eyes  are  hidden  under  the  skin  and  barely  discernible. 

The  two  families  embracing  these  species  may  be  easily 
separated,  thus: 

190 


The  Worm-like  Lizards 

A  pair  of  forelimbs.  .  Eucbirotidce 

Distribution. — Lower  California 
and  Mexico. 


Body  worm-like. 
Integument  in  ring-like  ^ 
segments. 


Limbless Amplisbcenidce 

Distribution. — Southern  North 
America;  South  America; 
southeastern  Europe; 
Asia  Minor  and  Africa. 

The  Two-footed  Worm  Lizards — Family  Eucbirotidce:  The 
members  of  this  family  are  very  strange.  They  are  worm-like, 
practically  blind  and  subterraneous  in  habits,  but  possess  one 
pair  of  well-developed  limbs.  These  limbs  are  on  the  anterior 
portion  of  the  body  and  spring  from  what  might  be  termed  the 
throat  of  the  creature.  The  well-developed  toes,  bearing  sbarp 
daws,  tend  to  make  this  pair  of  limbs  appear  quite  incongruous,  in 
the  case  of  such  a  degenerate,  elongated  reptile.  At  the  same 
time,  the  strange  characteristic  renders  these  lizards  at  once 
distinguishable. 

Three  genera  of  the  Euchirotidce.  are  known — Eucbirotes, 
of  Lower  California,  Bipes  and  Hemiclirotes:  both  of  the  latter 
occur  in  Mexico.  Cope  has  concisely  separated  these  genera,  as 
follows : 

Toes  five;  all  with  claws Eucbirotes. 

Toes  five;  one  smaller  and  clawless Bipes. 

Toes  three;  all  with  claws Hemicbirotes. 

Each  of  these  genera  includes  but  a  single  species. 

Like  the  members  of  the  succeeding  family  of  lowly  reptiles, 
the  Two-footed  Lizards  show  the  surface  of  the  body  to  be  divided 
into  numerous  rings,  like  the  segments  of  an  earthworm;  these 
rings  are  in  turn  divided  into  minute,  scale-like  squares.  There 
is  a  furrow  on  each  side  of  the  body,  which  has  led  some  author- 
ities to  separate  the  segments  into  the  "abdominal  series"  and 
the  "dorsal  series,"  which  arrangement  is  valuable  in  detailed, 
technical  description  relating  to  superficial  variations. 

Some  writers  have  included  this  family  within  the  Am- 
pbisbanida  but  the  possession  of  the  forelimbs  is  too  strong  a 
character  to  admit  their  presence  in  a  family  where  the  large 
number  of  species  are  without  vestiges  of  limbs. 

191 


The  Worm-like  Lizards 

As  the  three  genera  are  so  closely  allied,  but  one  species 
is  described.  The  brief  key,  preceding,  together  with  the  follow- 
ing details  and  illustrations,  should  enable  the  student  to  readily 
identify  the  three  representatives  of  the  family. 

THE  TWO-FOOTED  WORM   LIZARD 

Bipes  caniculatus,  (Lacepede) 

Stout,  and  much  like  a  very  large  earthworm  in  size  and 
form.  The  head  and  tail  are  blunt  and  much  the  same  in  out- 
line. The  mouth  is  very  small.  On  the  top  of  the  head  and  on 
the  chin  are  numerous  and  symmetrically  arranged  scales  or 
plates.  The  remainder  of  the  body,  as  well  as  the  tail  is  covered 
with  narrow,  shining  rings,  which  are  so  lined  as  to  be  divided 
into  minute  squares.  Buried  under  the  skin  and  transluscent 
scales  of  the  head,  the  eyes  may  be  faintly  seen  as  obscure  dots. 
They  are  practically  of  no  use  to  the  creature. 

A  short  distance  behind  the  head  is  a  pair  of  small,  though 
well-developed  limbs  which  are  very  flat,  and  terminate  in  four 
well-formed  toes;  these  are  provided  with  moderately  long  and 
very  sharp  claws.  There  is  a  fifth  and  smaller  toe,  the  same 
clawless. 

The  tail  is  about  three  times  the  length  of  the  head. 

Colouration.  —  Above  (just  half  the  circumference  of  the 
body)  dull,  purplish  brown.  The  lower  half  is  yellowish-white. 

Dimensions. — The  measurements  given  are  from  a  specimen 
taken  near  the  City  of  Mexico. 

Total  Length 9     inches. 

Length  of  Tail i  \ 

Greatest  Diameter f 

Length  of  Limbs   T5g-      " 

Dimensions. — This  species  is  confined  to  Mexico,  astis  the 
allied  species  known  technically  as  Hemichirotes  tridactylus, 
which  has  a  very  short  tail — but  little  longer  than  the  head. 
The  third  species  of  the  family,  Euchirotes  biporus,  appears  to 
be  restricted  to  Lower  California,  where  it  is  recorded  from  La 
Paz. 

Habits. — Beyond  the  fact  that  these  creatures  burrow  in 
soft  soil,  feeding  upon  worms  and  insects,  their  habits  are  un- 
known. 

192 


The  Worm-like    Lizards 

The  Worm  Lizards — Family  Amplisbcenidce:  Differing  from 
the  preceding  family,  which  is  small  and  covers  but  a  limited  area 
in  its  distribution,  the  Ampbisbanida  comprises  some  ten 
genera,  these  representing  between  sixty  and  seventy  species 
which  are  distributed  over  extensive  areas  in  both  the  New  and 
the  Old  Worlds.  Nearly  forty  species  occur  in  the  tropical 
latitudes  of  the  Western  Hemisphere;  four  inhabit  the  regions 
bounding  the  northern  Mediterranean,  and  the  remainder  are 
African.  But  one  species  occurs  in  North  America. 

The  largest  genus  of  the  family  is  South  American — Amphis- 
bcena.  The  majority  of  the  species  attain  a  length  of  about  two 
feet  and  a  diameter  of  about  an  inch.  All  are  strictly  subter- 
raneous, and  though  possessing  but  rudimentary  eyes  that  are 
covered  by  translucent  scales  and  skin,  are  not  strictly  blind, 
as  they  distinguish  the  presence  of  a  hand  waved  over  them  and 
will  endeavour  to  bite.  Captive  specimens  are  quite  hardy,  and 
while  displaying  a  marked  repugnance  for  the  light,  will  live 
indefinitely  in  a  box  that  provides  no  medium  in  which  to  burrow. 
They  feed  voraciously  upon  earthworms,  slugs  and  small  pieces 
of  raw  beef.  A  gentleman  from  whom  the  writer  has  received 
several  specimens,  explains  that  young  individuals  may  often 
be  exhumed  from  ant-hills. 

A  description  is  given  of  the  only  North  American  repre- 
sentative of  this  family. 

THE  WORM  LIZARD 

Khineura  floridana,  (Baird) 

This  reptile  is  limbless  and  worm-like  in  form,  with  scarcely 
the  diameter  of  a  large  earthworm,  for  which,  at  a  glance,  the 
creature  might  readily  be  mistaken.  The  body  presents  a  ringed, 
segmented  appearance.  The  head  is  of  the  same  width  as  the 
neck  and  is  covered  with  shields;  it  lacks  the  presence  of  ex- 
ternal eyes  and  ears.  Very  coarsely  ringed  and  corrugated, 
the  tail  is  blunt  and  resembles  the  head  in  general  outlines. 

Colouration. — In  life  this  species  is  of  a  uniform  lavender, 
over  which  plays  an  iridescent  bloom,  varying  in  intensity  in 
different  degrees  of  light.  Preserved  specimens  quickly  fade 
to  a  pale  and  lustreless  yellow. 

Dimensions. — The  measurements  of  an  averaged-sized  spec- 
imen are  given: 


The  Worm-like    Lizards 

Total  Length 8£  inches. 

Length  of  Tail   TV 

Greatest  Diameter \     " 

Distribution. — The  species  appears  to  be  restricted  to  Florida. 

Habits. — Among  the  many  and  varied  phases  of  reptile  life 
existing  in  North  America,  the  Worm  Lizard  appears  to  be  the 
most  rudimentary  in  structure  and  secretive  in  habits.  Its 
helplessness  above  ground  may  be  appreciated  after  the  examina- 
tion of  a  specimen,  and  the  absence  of  the  eyes  is  noted.  The 
subterraneous  habits  render  sight  unnecessary.  Sluggishly  boring 
long  tunnels  in  soft  ground,  through  which  it  wriggles  its  way 
forward  or  backward  with  equal  ease,  it  searches  for  prey  of  a 
like  helpless  nature  as  itself — the  soft-bodied  larvae  of  small 
insects,  and  small  earthworms — an  adult  would  rival  the  reptile 
itself  in  size. 

Seldom  venturing  from  the  soil  except  after  heavy  rains, 
this  creature's  visits  to  the  light  are  few  and  consist  of  an  aimless 
wandering  for  a  short  distance  and  nosing  over  the  ground  for 
a  suitable  spot  in  which  to  begin  a  new  burrow.  When  such 
is  found  the  snout  is  called  into  play  and  the  reptile  bores  its 
way  down  and  out  of  sight  in  a  manner  very  suggestive  of  an 
earthworm.  . 

Specimens  are  often  found  during  the  ploughing  season, 
when  they  are  uncovered  from  a  distance  of  about  four  or  five 
inches,  from  beneath  the  surface. 

In  captivity  the  species  is  uninteresting,  as  it  passes  all 
of  its  time  in  hiding,  if  soil  is  provided,  and  soon  dies  if  not  given 
a  medium  in  which  to  burrow.  Few  captive  specimens  can  be 
induced  to  partake  regularly  of  the  grubs  or  worms  that  may 
be  offered.  If  uncovered  from  their  hiding  places,  and  scratched 
with  the  finger,  they  wriggle  about  uneasily,  often  opening  a 
diminutive  mouth  and  assuming  an  amusing  attitude  of  self 
defence.  At  such  times  the  tail  is  elevated  from  the^ground, 
and  the  tip  held  aloft  in  a  manner  that  might  cause  the  novice 
to  readily  mistake  it  for  the  head,  which  lies  flat  upon  the  ground. 


194 


THE  REPTILE  BOOK 


PLATE  LVII 


FIVE-LINED  SKINK;  "SCORPION,"  Eumeces  quinquelineatus 

Young  examples  are  black,  striped  with  yellow,  and  have  a  brilliant  blue  tail.     The  adults  become  brownish,  with  a  fiery  red  head 
Until  a  comparatively  recent  time  the  young  and  adult  phases  were  regarded  as  distinct  species 


SKILTON'S  SKINK,  Eumeces  skiltonianus 
A  distincfand  handsome  species  of  the  Western  States.    The  tail  is  brilliant  blue 


THE  REPTILE  BOOK 


PLATE  LVIII 


FLORIDA  SKINK,  Eumeces  egregius 
Found  only  in  the  vicinity  of  Key  West,  Florida.     The  scales  have  a  metallic  lustre 


GROUND  LIZARD,  Lygosoma  laterale    . 
This  tinv  lizard  is  common  in  the  Southern  States,  living  among  leaves  and  under  logs 


CHAPTER   XXIII:  THE  SKINKS  OR  SMOOTH- 
SCALED    LIZARDS 

FAMILY  SCINCID^E 

Small,  Glossy-scaled  Lizards  of  a  Large  Family,   Represented  in 
North  America  by  Two  Genera  and  Fifteen  Species 

Classification  and  Distribution. — The  Scincidce.  is  one  of  the 
largest  families  of  the  lizards  and  its  members  occur  abundantly 
in  both  the  Eastern  and  the  Western  Hemispheres.  The  largest 
number  of  species  inhabit  the  Old  World.  The  family  is  richly 
represented  in  Australia. 

The  Skinks  are  of  small  or  moderate  size  and  usually  have 
smooth — generally  shining  scales.  The  scalation  is  quite  hard 
as  the  scales  cover  bony  plates. 

Like  the  Anguidce,  the  Skinks  present  interesting  phases 
of  evolution.  Most  of  the  species  have  short  limbs  but  are  agile 
runners;  others  are  serpent-like  in  body  and  have  extremely 
minute  limbs  with  which  they  drag  the  body  when  progressing 
leisurely,  but  in  time  of  danger  fold  them  against  the  sides  and 
glide  away  like  a  snake;  some  have  a  minute  pair  of  forelimbs 
only,  and  a  few  have  but  a  pair  of  useless  hind  limbs.  A  num- 
ber are  limbless  and  snake-like. 

The  North  American  species  have  well-developed  limbs 
and  are  very  agile.  Two  genera  are  represented  in  the  United 
States,  namely:  Eumeces,  with  fourteen  species,  and  a  single 
species  of  Lygosoma.  All  of  these  species  are  of  small  or  very 
moderate  size,  with  smooth,  shining  scales.  Their  glossy  aspect 
at  once  distinguishes  them  from  other  lizards.  Of  the  two 
genera,  Eumeces  is  the  smaller;  it  contains  about  thirty  species, 
the  majority  inhabiting  the  New  World:  the  others  are  found 
in  Africa  and  Asia.  Lygosoma  is  a  large  genus,  containing  over 
1 60  species;  these  are  generally  distributed  throughout  the 
temperate  and  tropical  portions  of  the  globe  and  among  them 

195 


The  Skinks  or  Smooth-scaled  Lizards 

are  many  of  the  forms  with  minute  and  comparatively  useless 
limbs. 

In  preparing  popular  descriptions  of  the  North  American 
Skinks,  the  writer  finds  himself  confronted  by  a  difficult  prop- 
osition, as  old  individuals  of  most  of  the  species  fade  to  a  dull, 
olive  hue  with  little  or  no  trace  of  pattern.  Most  of  the  young 
are  vividly  striped  and  the  pattern  is  retained  well  into  maturity. 

The  following  arrangement  of  the  species  is  the  writer's 
only  alternative  unless  he  plunges  into  a  mass  of  what  would  be  to 
the  beginner,  a  confusing  mix-up  of  technical  details: 

Division  A.     Eight  pale  lines  on  a  darker  ground-colour. 

Many-lined  Skink,  Eumeces  multivirgatus ,  (Hallowell).— 
Limbs  small  and  far  apart;  the  length  of  the  hind  limb  applied 
twice  forward,  fails  to  reach  the  base  of  the  front  limb.  Twenty- 
four  to  twenty-six  rows  of  scales  round  the  body. 

Colouration. — A  broad,  central  olive  band,  bordered  on 
each  side  by  five  dark  brown,  and  four  pale  olive  stripes;  first 
and  fourth  of  the  dark  stripes  the  widest. 

Distribution. — The  Central  States.  Nebraska  to  Kansas; 
Mississippi  Valley  to  the  Rocky  Mountains. 

Division  B.     5  pale  lines  on  a  dark  ground-colour. 

Five-lined  Skink,  Eumeces  quinquelineatus,  (Linn.). — The 
common  species  of  the  Eastern  and  Central  States.  It  attains 
a  length  of  ten  inches.  Owing  to  the  two  distinct  phases  of 
colouration — the  young  and  the  adult — it  is  known  under  several 
popular  names. 

There  are  28 — 34  rows  of  scales  round  the  body.  The  body 
is  moderately  stout;  the  length  of  the  hind  limb  applied  twice 
forward  reaches  beyond  the  ear. 

Colouration. — Very  young  specimens  are  jet-blac^,  with 
a  vivid  yellow  line  on  the  back  and  two  similar  lines  on  each 
side.  The  central  stripe  forks  on  the  head.  These  five  stripes 
extend  to  the  tail,  where  they  are  lost  in  a  shade  of  brilliant  blue. 
This  young  phase  is  popularly  called  the  Blue-tailed  Lizard  and 
the  Five-lined  Lizard;  it  is  represented  by  specimens  4-5  inches 
long. 

The  Red-headed  Lizard  or  "  Scorpion  "  is  the  adult  phase. 
As  the  creature  grows  older,  the  black  gives  way  to  a  dull  brown 

196 


The  Skinks  or  Smooth-scaled  Lizards 


and  the  stripes  rapidly  fade ;  those  on  the  sides  are  the  longest  to 
remain  well  defined.  Female  specimens  retain  dull  stripes 
through  life,  but  the  males  become  a  uniform,  dull  olive-brown 
on  the  body  and  bright  red  about  tie  lead.  With  maturity  the 
head  becomes  very  wide  and  swollen  at  the  temples. 

The  transformation  from  a  coal-black,  vividly  striped  liz- 
ard having  a  brilliant  blue  tail,  to  a  plain,  brownish  creature 
with  a  bright,  reddish  head,  has  incited  some  technical  writers, 
who  have  not  appreciated  the  exact  conditions,  to  name  two 
distinct  species.  (See  illustrations). 

Dimensions. — Following  are  the  measurements  of  a  fair- 
sized  specimen  of  the  "Red-headed"  Lizard — the  adult  phase  of 
the  species: 

Total  Length 9^  inches. 

Length  of  Tail 5 

Greatest  Diameter I 

Width  of  Head  (temples) if 

Length  of  Front  Leg if 

"     "  Hind     "     if 

These  measurements  are  from  an  example  taken  near  Savan- 
nah, Georgia.  It  is  only  in  the  Southern  States  that  the  species 
attains  such  large  proportions.  North  of  South  Carolina  the 
size  is  moderate  and  in  the  Virginias,  Pennsylvania,  New  York 
and  New  Jersey  the  average  length  of  adult  specimens  is  about 
six  inches. 

Distribution. — The  species  occurs  from  Massachusetts  to 
Florida  and  westward  to  central  Texas.  It  is  rare  in  the  Northern 
States.  The  writer  has  taken  occasional  specimens  in  Connecticut. 
In  New  Jersey  it  is  more  common.  Throughout  the  dry,  pine 
woods  of  South  Carolina,  Georgia  and  Florida  it  abounds,  attains 
the  largest  size  and  undergoes  the  most  complete  colour  metamor- 
phosis. 

Habits. — Described  at  the  end  of  the  list  of  species. 

Hayden's  Skink,  Eumeces  leptogrammus,  (Baird).  Similar 
to  the  preceding,  but  has  a  lesser  number  of  scale  rows — 24  to  26. 
The  young  are  black,  with  five  dotted  lines;  tail  blue.  Adult 
olive. 

Dimensions. — A  small  species,  attaining  a  total  length  of 
about  six  inches. 

197 


The  Skinks  or  Smooth- scaled  Lizards 

Distribution. — The  Central  Region — Nebraska  to  northern 
Texas. 

The  Sonora  Skink,  Eumeces  obsoletus,  (Baird  and  Girard). 
A  large  species,  attaining  a  length  of  1 1  to  12  inches.  Scales  in 
26  to  28  rows  round  the  body.  Limbs  short;  twice  the  length 
of  the  hind  limb  carried  forward  reaches  only  to  the  base  of 
the  arm. 

Colouration. — Young  black  with  five  very  faint  stripes. 
Adult  yellowish,  or  olive;  margins  of  the  scales  darker;  head 
reddish. 

Distribution. — Kansas  and  central  Texas,  to  Utah  and  Ari- 
zona; northern  Mexico. 

Division  C.    Four  pale  lines  on  a  darker  hue. 

Skilton's  Skink,  Eumeces  skiltonianus,  (Baird  and  Girard). 
Attains  a  length  of  six  to  seven  inches.  Scales  in  about  twenty- 
six  rows.  Twice  the  length  of  the  hind  leg  applied  forward 
reaches  between  the  base  of  the  foreleg  and  the  ear. 

Colouration. — Young  olive,  with  two  whitish  lines  on  each 
side,  embracing  a  dark  band.  The  upper  stripes  are  bordered 
by  a  black  band  (very  narrow).  Adults  olive,  with  fainter  stripes. 

Dimensions. — Total  length,  5!  inches;   tail,  3^  inches. 

Distribution. — The  Pacific  Region.  Vancouver  Island  and 
extreme  southwestern  Canada,  Washington,  Oregon,  California, 
western  Nevada  and  Lower  California  to  Cape  St.  Lucas.  An 
abundant  species. 

Gilbert's  Skink.  Eumeces  gilberti,  (Van  Denburgh).  Struc- 
tural characters  like  Skilton's  Skink,  but  the  colouration  is 
different. 

Young  dark  brown  above,  the  scales  with  pale  centres.  Four 
pale  lines,  the  lower  not  distinct,  between  ear  and  base  of  fore- 
limb.  The  upper  lines  are  broader  than  with  SkiltonV-  Skink 
and  closer  together. 

Adult  brownish  olive,  tinged  with  red;  head  bright  red. 
No  traces  of  stripes.  Scales  often  with  green  centres. 

Dimensions. — Larger  than  its  near  ally.  Total  length, 
8£  inches;  tail,  5$  inches. 

Distribution. — "Western  slope  of  the  Sierra  Nevada  in  the 
vicinity  of  the  Yosemite  Valley,  California."  (Van  Denburgh). 

Habits. — Mr.  Van  Denburgh  explains  that  the  species  is 

198 


The  Skinks  or  Smooth-scaled  Lizards 

very  active,  and  is  found  in  grass  and  fallen  leaves,  retreating 
to  holes  under  stones  and  boulders. 

The  Black-banded  Skink,  Eumeces  septentrionalis ,  (Baird). 
Size  moderate.  Scales  in  about  28  rows.  A  pair  of  white  stripes 
on  each  side,  embracing  a  black  band.  Four  black  stripes  on 
the  back,  the  two  outer  of  these  bordering  the  upper  of  the  white 
stripes. 

Distribution. — The  Central  Region — Minnesota  and  the 
Dakotas  to  Kansas. 

The  Florida  Skink,  Eumeces  egregius,  (Baird).  Smallest 
and  most  elongated  species  of  the  genus  inhabiting  the  United 
States.  Body  and  tail  cylindrical,  almost  worm-like;  limbs 
small  and  weak.  Ear  opening  minute.  Scales  in  22  rows 
round  the  body. 

Colouration. — Olive  to  reddish  brown.  Four,  equally  dis- 
tant white  stripes — two  on  each  side  of  the  body  and  traversing 
the  centres  of  single  rows  of  scales;  the  stripes  are  margined 
with  obscure,  dotted  lines. 

Attains  a  length  of  three  and  a  half  to  four  inches. 

Distribution. — Southern  Florida  and  the  Keys. 

The  Black  Skink,  Eumeces  antbracimis,  (Baird).  Attains 
a  length  of  about  six  inches.  The  scales  are  in  24  rows  around 
the  body.  Form  elongated  and  cylindrical. 

Colouration. — Dark,  olive  green  on  the  back;  two  distinct 
white  lines  on  the  sides.  In  the  centre  of  each  pair  of  stripes 
and  bordering  them  above,  is  a  coal-black  band.  Olive  below 
the  lower  stripe.  There  is  no  marked  difference  between  the 
young  and  the  adult;  the  head  of  the  adult  is  reddish. 

Dimensions. — Total  length,   5^  inches;  tail,  3^  inches. 

Distribution. — Most  abundant  in  the  Alleghanean  region; 
occurs  from  Pennsylvania  to  Texas. 

The  Texas  Skink,  Eumeces  teiragrammus,  (Baird).  Form 
and  colouration  similar  to  the  preceding,  but  the  scales  are  in 
26  to  28  rows. 

Olive  above,  with  two  greenish  stripes  on  each  side;  darker 
between  the  stripes.  The  stripes  are  separated  by  six  rows 
of  scales,  instead  of  four,  as  is  the  case  with  E.  antbracinus. 
Some  specimens  are  black  with  very  obscure  stripes. 

Attains  a  length  of  6  to  7  inches. 

Distribution. — Known  only  from  Texas  and  northern  Mexico. 

199 


The  Skinks  or  Smooth-scaled  Lizards 

The  Pluvial  Skink,  Eumeces  pluvialis,  (Cope).  Form  rather 
stout;  scales  in  26  rows  round  the  body.  Size  moderate. 

Dark  olive,  almost  blackish  above;  two  green  stripes  on 
each  side,  these  separated  by  a  black  band.  Rich  green  beneath. 

Distribution.— One  specimen  known.  Taken  near  Mobile, 
Alabama. 

Cope's  Skink,  Eumeces  pachyurus,  (Cope).  A  moderate- 
sized  and  very  elongate  species.  Scales  in  26  rows  round  the 
body.  The  tail  is  very  long  and  almost  as  thick  as  the  body 
for  a  considerable  distance.  Limbs  small  and  widely  separated. 

Colouration. — Light  brown  above.  A  dark  brown  band 
on  each  side  of  the  body  bordered  with  pale  lines;  the  pair  of 
pale  lines  narrowly  bordered  above  and  beneath  with  dark  brown. 
Abdomen  greenish. 

Dimensions. — Length  of  Head  and  Body 3T^  inches. 

"  Front  Limb A     " 

"  Hind      "     f      " 

Distribution. — One  specimen  known;  from  Texas. 

The  Short-lined  Skink,  Eumeces  brevilineatus,  (Cope).  A 
very  slender,  long-tailed  species.  Scales  in  26  rows. 

Lead-coloured  above,  with  two  pale  lines  on  each  side,  ex- 
tending from  the  side  of  the  head  to  a  short  distance  beyond 
the  base  of  the  fore  limb.  One  of  the  lines  extends  along  the  upper 
lip  and  backward;  the  other  begins  at  the  end  of  the  snout  and 
runs  backward  over  the  eye. 

Dimensions. — Total  length,   5!  inches;  tail,  4!  inches. 

Distribution. — Texas.     Has  been  taken  near  San  Antonio. 

Division  D.     No  pale  stripes. 

The  Blue-spotted  Skink,  Eumeces  guttulatus,  (Hallowell). 
A  small  species.  The  length  of  -the  hind  leg  applied  twice  for- 
ward reaches  the  ear.  There  are  thirty  scale  rows  roumd  the 
body. 

Colouration. — Young  specimens  entirely  black  on  the  body, 
the  end  of  the  tail  becoming  bluish.  A  row  of  bluish-white 
spots  over  the  eye  and  a  similar  row  along  the  upper  lip;  also 
a  row  on  each  side  of  the  chin.  With  maturity  the  black  gives 
way  to  olive  and  the  spots  become  fainter. 

Attains  a  length  of  about  six  inches. 

Distribution. — Western  Texas,  New  Mexico  and  Arizona. 

200 


The  Skinks  or  Smooth-scaled  Lizards 

Habits  of  the  Species 

The  habits  of  the  various  species  of  Eumeces  are  so  similar 
that  the  writer  simply  gives  his  observations  of  the  Blue-tailed 
Skink  (Red-headed  Skink). 

This  lizard  is  so  difficult  to  capture  that  species  of  other 
genera,  rarer  and  more  restricted  in  habitat,  are  the  most  fre- 
quently seen  in  captivity.  While  collecting  in  the  South  in 
mid-summer,  with  Red-headed  Lizards  or  "Scorpions"  abun- 
dant on  all  sides,  the  writer  succeeded  in  procuring  less  than  a 
dozen  living  examples  during  two  weeks'  time,  although  every 
device  from  a  fine  snare  of  copper  wire  to  a  baited  hook  was 
tried.  They  would  allow  one  to  approach  to  within  a  distance 
of  about  ten  feet,  then  scurry  for  cover.  The  reptiles  invariably 
bask  or  hunt  for  insect  prey  within  a  short  distance  of  secure 
hiding  places,  such  as  a  burrow  under  a  fallen  tree  or  a  cavity 
in  the  trunk  itself.  Unlike  many  species  of  lizards  that  run  for 
an  indefinite  distance  when  disturbed,  then  stop  and  peer  back 
at  the  object  of  their  fright,  the  Skink  flashes  out  of  sight  at 
the  slighest  shadow.  As  it  emerges  from  its  burrow,  it  looks 
cautiously  about  to  ascertain  whether  all  danger  is  past  and 
the  movement  of  a  finger  will  send  it  back  again. 

Interested  in  studying  the  transition  of  colour  from  the 
young  to  the  adult  phase,  the  writer  went  again  to  the  collecting 
grounds,  but  in  the  early  spring  when  the  nights  were  cold  and 
the  lizards  were  yet  seeking  their  hibernating  quarters,  after 
the  sun  had  gone  down.  Much  time  was  given  to  stripping  the 
bark  from  dead  trees  and  during  the  process  large  numbers  of 
snakes  and  lizards  were  obtained.  These  were  snugly  buried 
in  the  soft,  rotting  wood  beneath  the  bark  in  the  company  of 
centipedes,  scorpions  and  ants.  On  the  second  trip  there  was 
no  difficulty  in  collecting  large  numbers,  though  no  time  could 
be  wasted  when  a  specimen  was  once  exposed  in  its  hiding,  as 
the  creature  would  endeavour  to  rush  to  the  bottom  of  the  tree 
trunk  and  burrow  in  the  debris  beneath  it.  Within  ten  days 
over  two  hundred  of  the  desired  examples  were  taken,  showing 
all  phases  of  the  colour  variation  from  the  young  individual  to 
very  old  specimens.  With  the  rapid  development  of  the  Southern 
spring,  came  increasing  activity  of  the  reptiles  and  before  the 
writer  left  for  the  North,  the  capture  of  a  "Scorpion,"  would 
have  been  a  difficult  matter  as  the  lizards  no  longer  sought  shelter 

2OI 


The  Skinks  or  Smooth-scaled  Lizards 

in  decaying  logs,  but  were  living  in  their  summer  holes  in  the 
tree  trunks. 

Although  gradually  changing  its  colours  and  pattern  with 
age,  the  Skink  shows  none  of  the  momentary,  varying  hues,  so 
commonly  observed  among  the  North  American  species  of  Iguani- 
dce — the  "Chameleon,"  the  Swifts  and  Horned  "Toads." 

The  Skink  is  strictly  diurnal,  seeking  its  hiding  place  with 
the  setting  of  the  sun.  The  food  consists  largely  of  insects, 
but  well-grown  specimens  will  feed  upon  the  eggs  of  birds,  or 
newly  born  wood  mice,  often  discovered  by  the  lizard  as  it  in- 
vestigates the  crevices  of  fallen  trees.  Provided  with  strong 
jaws,  the  adult  males  bite  vigorously  if  handled  and,  retaining 
their  hold  with  considerable  tenacity,  inflict  a  painful  squeeze. 
If  grasped  by  the  tail,  they  instantly  twist  off  that  appendage. 
When  thus  unhesitatingly  discarded,  the  bright  blue  tail  of 
the  younger  specimens,  wriggles  in  such  an  energetic  manner 
that  the  brilliant,  writhing  object  will  often  engross  the  captor's 
attention  for  the  instant  that  it  takes  the  original  owner  to 
find  a  hiding  place. 

During  observations  on  a  large  series  of  captive  specimens, 
the  writer  noted  a  characteristic  that  appears  unique  among 
lizards.  Several  large  strips  of  bark  has  been  placed  upon  the 
gravel  of  the  cage,  to  form  hiding  places.  On  lifting  these  strips 
of  bark  to  examine  the  specimens,  a  number  of  the  lizards  were 
found  lying  in  circular,  coiled  positions,  a  most  unusual  attitude 
for  lizards  to  assume.  Upon  closer  inspection  it  was  discovered 
that  each  of  these  reptiles  was  a  female  lizard  coiled  about 
her  eggs.  The  number  of  eggs  to  each  example  was  three  or 
four. 

These  lizards  remained  in  their  curious  positions  until  imme- 
diately prior  to  the  eggs'  hatching,  ignoring  the  bright  sunshine 
in  which  their  companions  basked  and  sported,  and,  during 
the  several  weeks'  time,  taking  no  food.  When  the  young 
emerged  they  paid  no  attention  to  them,  and  the  little  creatures 
seemed  fully  able  to  shift  for  themselves.  This  guarding  of  the 
eggs,  if  such  it  were,  is  rarely  seen  among  reptiles.  The  pythons 
coil  about  their  eggs  until  the  time  of  hatching,  but  the  vast 
majority  of  snakes  and  lizards  are  quite  indifferent  to  the  con- 
dition of  the  eggs  after  they  have  been  carefully  deposited. 
The  female  alligator  is  alleged  to  protect  her  nest  by  remaining 

202 


The  Skinks  or  Smooth-scaled  Lizards 

constantly  by  it,  but  no  guardian  parent  was  ever  seen  in  the 
vicinity  of  the  'gator  nests  collected  by  friends  of  the  writer 
or  himself. 

As  the  eggs  of  the  Skink  hatch  quickly  as  compared  with 
those  of  many  lizards  and  snakes,  these  reptiles  may  be  said 
to  stand  midway  between  the  strictly  oviparous  species  and  those 
which  produce  the  young  alive.  In  their  reproductive  habits, 
lizards  may  be  separated  into  three  groups:  i.  The  strictly 
oviparous  species.  2.  Those  which  deposit  eggs  with  a  thin 
integument,  containing  rapidly  developing  embryos,  and  3.  The 
truly  viviparous  forms,  producing  fully  developed,  living  young, 
like  the  species  of  Phrynosoma — Horned  "Toads." 

The  Brown-backed  Skink;  Ground  Lizard,  Lygosoma 
later  ale,  (Say),  is  a  diminutive,  elongated  and  cylindrical  lizard,  with 
minute  limbs,  and  looks  more  like  the  smaller  species  of  salaman- 
der than  a  true  lacertilian.  The  tail  is  long  and  almost  as  thick 
as  the  body  at  its  basal  third. 

Colouration. — Back,  and  upper  portions  of  tail  and  head 
bronze,  sometimes  olive,  with  minute  dots — on  the  body — in 
lines.  On  each  side  of  the  bronze  area,  is  a  dark  band.  The 
abdomen  is  yellowish. 

Dimensions. — TotalfLength 3     inches. 

Length  of  Tail if 

Diameter  of  Body \ 

Distribution.  —  In  the  eastern  United  States  the  species 
ranges  from  southern  New  Jersey  southward  throughout  Florida; 
in  the  Central  States  it  occurs  as  far  north  as  southern  Illinois. 
It  ranges  westward  to  central  Texas,  thence  southward  into 
Mexico. 

Habits. — While  hunting  for  this  miniature  reptile  the  writer 
has  always  noted  that  it  is  very  secretive  in  habits — in  fact  leads 
a  burrowing  life.  Large  numbers  of  specimens  were  found  under 
the  loose  bark  of  fallen  trees.  When  uncovered  they  displayed 
considerable  agility,  half  running,  half  wriggling  away  in  a  series 
of  rapid,  lateral  undulations  to  disappear  among  dead  leaves 
or  burrow  their  way  into  mould  or  wood-pulp.  The  snappy, 
undulating  movements  assist  the  lizard  to  a  great  extent  in  its 
locomotion,  as  the  limbs  are  too  short  to  be  of  use  in  actual 
running.  Many  times  has  the  writer  mistaken  these  reptiles 

203 


The  Skinks  or  Smooth-scaled  Lizards 

.for  the  small  salamanders — Spelerpes  or  Plethodon.  If  they  are 
grasped  by  the  tail,  they  turn  quickly,  twisting  that  member 
from  the  body  and  leaving  it  as  a  wriggling  souvenir  while  the 
lizard  wastes  no  time  in  scurrying  to  shelter.  Ultimately,  a 
new  tail  is  grown,  but  it  is  always  shorter  than  the  original. 

Very  few  specimens  were  actually  seen  abroad,  and  these 
were  exceedingly  timid,  darting  into  the  leaves  and  grass  upon 
the  slightest  disturbance.  Although  well  protected  by  its  sombre 
hues,  these  closely  matching  the  ground,  the  Brown-backed 
Lizard  has  many  enemies  in  the  shape  of  snakes,  particularly 
the  young  of  the  genus  Ophibolus;  the  Scarlet  Snake  (Cemopbora), 
also  feeds  largely  upon  it. 

The  Ground  Lizard  thrives  in  captivity  if  provided  with  an 
abundance  of  the  proper  food — ants  and  their  larvae  and  the 
grubs  of  the  smaller  wood-boring  beetles.  As  most  specimens 
pass  their  time  in  hiding  they  are  poor  subjects  for  purposes  of 
observations. 


204 


PART  IV. 

THE  SNAKES 

Order  OPHIDIA 


THE  REFIILE  BOOK 


FOX  SNAKE,  Coluber  vtdpinus,  AND  HER  EGGS 


EGGS  OF  THE  CORN  SNAKE,  Coluber  gutlatiis 


EGGS  OF  THE  GREEN  SNAKE,  Liotdtis  vemalis  MILK  SNAKE,  Ophibolus  doliatus  triangulus,  AND  HER  EGGS 

BREEDING  HABITS  OF  SNAKES 


CHAPTER  XXIV:    CLASSIFICATION  OF  THE 
NORTH  AMERICAN  SNAKES 

North  America  is  Rich  in  Serpent  Life,  as  Will  bf  Seen  From  the 
Following  Classified  List:  § 

Order  Ophidia 


FAMILY 

GLAUCONIID^ 
(Blind  Sn 

BOID^E 
COLUBRID^E  < 

SUBFAMILY 
ETC.                        GENUS 

; 
akes)       Crlnucnnia  

i 

.     2  Sp< 

NORTH 
AMERICAN    SPECIES 

;cies  Burrowing        a. 
Terrestrial         b. 

Semi-aquatic    c. 
Burrowing 

Secretive    d. 
Terrestrial 

Arboreal     e. 
Terrestrial 

Burrowing 
Secretive 

Terrestrial 
Burrowing 

Terrestrial 

Boinae,Boas  • 

I.  Aglypha: 
all  the  teeth 
solid  —  not 
grooved  or 
perforated. 
The  Harm- 
less Snakes. 

Colubrinae      < 

ILtchanura.  

.     2 

ChaTtna, 

.     2 

f  Kiitaenia  

I  I 

•J3 
i 
.   i 
i 
i 

2 
I 
.     I 

Tropidonot  us  .  .  . 
Clonophis  

Tropidoclonium  . 
Seminatrix  

Liodytes  

Storeria  

A.  mphiardis  

Haldea  

Virginia  

2 

I 

•    4 
.    i 

2 
.      [T 

Spilotes  

Zatnenis  

Salvadora  

Phyllorhynchus  . 
Coluber  

Rhinechis  

I 

3 

I 
I 
I 
I 
I 
4 
3 
7 
i 
i 
i 
i 

.     2 
I 
I 
.     1 

Pituophis  

Cyclophis  

Liopeltis  

Hypsiglena  

Stilosoma  

Rhadinea  

Contia.  

Diadophis  

Ophibolus  

Abastor  

Farancia  

Carphophis  

Ficimia  

Chilomeniscus  .  .  . 
Cemophora  

Rhinochilus  

Heterodon  .  . 

§Boulenger's  system  has  been  used. 


207 


Classification  of  the  North  American  Snakes 


FAMILY 


COLUBRID;E 
(concluded) 


SUBFAMILY 
ETC. 

'II.  Opisth- 
o  gl  y  p  ha: 
One  or  more 
pairs   of 
grooved 

GENUS 

Trintorphodon  .  .  . 
Sibon  

i 
i 

fangs  in  rear  < 
of  upper 

Erythrolamprus  . 
Tantilla  

i 

4 

jaw. 

Dipsado- 
morphinae  .  . 

^ 

NORTH 
AMERICAN  SPECIES 


Species        Terrestrial 


Burrowing 


III.  Pro- 
teroglypha  : 
A  pair  of 
short,  erect, 
perf  ora  ted 
fangs,  in 
front  of  up- 
per jaw. 

Elapinae....  j   Elaps 2 

This  sub- 
family em- 
braces the 
Cobras  and 
their  allies 
in  the  Old 
World,  and 
the  Coral 
S  n  a  k  e  s  in 
the  New 
L  World. 


f 


Crotalinae 


f  A  ncistrodon 2 

I  Sistrurus 2 


i   Terrestrial 
:  Semi-aquatic 
Terrestrial 


A  pair  of  (Crotalus _. 

long  fangs 
f  o  1  d  i  n  g 
against  roof 
of  mouth 
when  jaws 
l^  are  closed. 

Total  number  of  species :  1 1 1 . 

Explanatory:    a.    Signifies  that  the  reptile  leads  a  burrowing  or  sub- 
subterraneous  life. 

b.  Terrestrial   snakes   are  those   species  that   prowl 
above  ground  in  search  of  their  prey. 

c.  Semi-aquatic  reptiles  are  those  that  frequent  the 
borders  of  ponds  and  streams 

d.  By  the  term  secretive,  we  may  signify  those  snakes 
that  are  not  often  found  prowling;    they   search 
for    their  prey  in  stone-piles  or  under  the  loose 
bark  of  decaying  trees. 

208 


THE  REPTILE  BOOK 


PLATE  LXI 


RAINBOW  SNAKE,  Abas/or  erythrogrammus 


KING  SNAKE,  Ophibolus  getulus 


HOG-NOSED  SNAKE.  Heierodon  plalyrhinus 


CORAL  SNAKE,  Elaps  fulvius.     (Venomous.) 
BREEDING  HABITS  OF  SNAKES.     FRESHLY   HATCHED   EXAMPLES  OF  OVIPAROUS  SERPENTS 


THE  REPTILE  BOOK 


PLATE  LXII 


I    I    I    I    !    I    i    I    !    1    1*1    I  I    I 

Egg  of  Fox  Snake,  Coluber  vulpinus,  at  time  of  deposit 


Same  egg  seven  weeks  later — immediately  before  hatching 


/  u  •'?  /  t     i  I  <  I 


Eggs  and  freshly  hatched  young  of  Ring-necked  Snake,  Diadophis 


A  viviparous  snake  and  her  newly  born  brood  of  young — the  Common  Water  Snake,  Tropidonotus  jasciatus  sipedon 
BREEDING  HABITS  OF  SNAKES 


CHAPTER  XXV:    THE  BLIND  SNAKES;     FAMILY 

GLAUCONIID^   AND  THE  DWARF  BOAS; 

FAMILY  BOID/E 

A  Few  Northern  Representatives  of  Tropical  Families 

BOTH  of  the  families  embraced  in  this  chapter  are  essentially 
tropical.  Of  the  Blind  Snakes — Glauconiidce,  two  typical  repre- 
sentatives extend  northward  from  Mexico  into  the  extreme 
southern  United  States.  Of  the  Boidcz — the  family  of  great 
constrictors  (Boas  and  Pythons)— four  small,  rather  degenerate 
species  are  found  in  North  America.  In  form  and  habits  these 
families  are  widely  different,  but  both  show  vestiges  of  a  pelvis 
and  hind  limbs.  With  the  Glauconiidce — though  the  rudiments 
of  the  pelvic  girdle  and  the  hind  limbs  are  most  pronounced 
of  any  living  snakes — the  hind  limbs  are  quite  concealed.  On 
most  of  the  species  of  Boidce,  the  rudimentary  hind  limbs  are 
visible  externally,  as  claw-like  spurs;  these  protuberances 
are  movable  and  represent  the  tip  of  the  limb. 

The  Blind  Snakes — Family  Glauconiidce:  This  family  of 
degenerate,  worm-like  snakes,  is  composed  of  two  genera;  Anom- 
alepis — i  Mexican  species,  and  Glauconia — about  30  species, 
which  inhabit  semi-tropical  America,  Africa  and  southwestern 
Asia.  The  species  are  small;  the  head  is  usually  very  blunt 
and  of  the  same  width  as  the  neck;  the  snout  protruding  some 
distance  over  the  mouth.  Abruptly  tapering — in  fact,  conical — 
the  tail  forms  barely  more  than  one-twentieth  the  total  length. 
There  are  no  broad,  abdominal  plates,  the  body  being  encircled 
with  smooth,  glassy,  imbricate  (overlapping)  scales.  On  the 
head  the  scalation  is  altogether  different  from  that  of  most  North 
American  snakes  (the  Colubridce) ;  there  are  a  few  large  plates, 
all  crowded  forward  toward  the  snout.  The  eyes  are  buried 
under  translucent  shields  and  appear  as  mere  black  dots;  they 
are  practically  useless  except  to  distinguish  between  light  and 
darkness. 

These  snakes  are  strictly  subterraneous;  they  burrow  long 

209 


The  Blind  Snakes  and  Dwarf  Boas 

tunnels  and  feed  upon  worms  and  insect  larvae.  Some  of  the 
tropical  species  live  in  ant-hills. 

Resume  of  the  North  American  Species. 

a.  A  pair  of  supraocular  plates.  (See  illustration). 
Scales  in  fourteen  rows. 

Pale  brown  above;  white  beneath. 
Dimensions. — Total  Length  8-12  inches. 

Tail  about  one-twentieth  of  the  total  length. 

TEXAS  BLIND  SNAKE,  Glacuconia  dulcis,  B.  &  G. 
Distribution. — Texas,  New  Mexico  and  Mexico. 

b.  No  supraocular  plates.     (See  illustration). 
Colouration  like  preceding. 

CALIFORNIA  BLIND  SNAKE,  Glauconia  bumilis,  B.  &  G. 
Distribution. — Arizona,  southern  California,  Lower 
California  and  Mexico. 

The  Boas — Family  Boidce:  The  Eoidce  is  divided  into  two 
sub-families — the  Boince  and  the  Pythonina:  but  one  species 
of  the  latter  is  found  in  the  New  World  (in  Mexico). 

The  scalation  of  the  body  is  usually  fine;  with  some  of  the 
species  quite  granular.  The  large  crawling  plates  of  the  abdomen 
are  not  nearlv  so  broad  as  on  the  Colubrine  snakes.  Head 

j 

covered  with  enlarged  scales,  or  with  shields;  pupil  of  eye  usually 
elliptical.  Most  of  the  species  show  external  traces  of  the 
rudimentary  hind  limbs  in  the  shape  of  claw-like  spurs. 

Four  species  are  found  in  North  America;  all  are  small. 
Two  exhibit  burrowing  habits,  like  the  Old  World  sand  boas 
(Eryx)  to  which  they  are  closely  allied. 

Key  to  the  Species 

General. — Scalation  of  the  body  very  fine;  abdominal  plates 
narrow;  plates  under  the  tail  undivided.  Pupil  elliptical.  Body 
stout;  tail  blunt. 

a.  Head  covered  with  scales.  -„ 

Genus  Lichanura. 

Bluish  gray  or  brown,  sometimes   with  three  obscure, 
darker  bands.     Abdomen  reddish. 

ROSY  BOA,  L.  roseofusca. 

Distribution. — Southern  California  and  Arizona. 
Pale  yellow,  with  three,  very  distinct,  dark  brown  bands. 

THREE-LINED  BOA,  L.  trivirgata. 
Distribution. — Lower  California. 

b.  Head  covered  with  shields. 

Genus  Charina. 
210 


THE  REPTILE  BOOK 


PLATE  LXIII 


BLIND  SNAKE,  Glauconia 

A  mature  example.    Two  species  are  found  in  the  Southwest.     Many  inhabit  tropical  America  and  tropical 
portions  of  the  old  world.     They  livft  in  ant-hills  and  look  like  polished  worms 


Greatly  enlarged  heads  of  Blind  Snakes — Glauconia  dulcis  and  G.  humilis.  The  latter  from  both 
top  and  side.  The  difference  between  the  two  species  will  be  seen  in  the  possession  of  a  pair  of  plates 
between  the  eyes  (the  suproocular  plates)  with  G.  dulcis,  and  the  absence  of  these  with  G.  humilis. 


THE  REPTILE  BOOK 


PLATE  LXIV- 


HEAD  OF  THREE-LINED  BOA, 

Lichanitra  trivirgata 


HEAD  AND  UNDER  PART  OF  TAIL  OF  THE  RUBBER  BOA, 

Charina  bottce 


RUBBER  BOA,  Charina  bottce 

A  tnie  boa  of  diminutive  size  that  ranges  farther  from  the  Equator  than  anv  other  species  of  the  Boida.     Found  in  the 
Pacific  Region,  from  Oregon  to  Lower  California 


The  Blind  Snakes  and  Dwarf  Boas 

Yellowish  brown  or  gray  above;  abdomen  yellow. 

RUBBER    BOA,  C. 

Distribution. — Oregon    to    Lower  California;   east- 
ward to  Nevada. 

Detailed  descriptions : 

THE  ROSY  BOA 
Lichanura  roseofusca,   (Cope) 

Body  stout,  tail  short,  blunt  and  slightly  prehensile.  Head 
rather  long  and  but  slightly  distinct  from  the  neck.  Eye  large, 
with  elliptical  (cat-like)  pupil  and  surrounded  with  a  ring  of 
7  to  10  scales.  Several  pairs  of  shields  near  the  snout;  remainder 
of  head  covered  with  scales.  Scales  of  the  body  in  39  1045  rows. 

Colouration. — Bluish  gray  or  brownish  above,  sometimes 
with  traces  of  three  brownish  stripes.  Abdomen  red  or  yellowish, 
mottled  with  brown. 

Dimensions. — Attains  a  length  of  about  a  yard,  of  which 
the  tail  occupies  about  four  inches. 

Distribution. — Southern  California  and  Arizona. 

Habits. — Apparently  nothing  is  known  of  the  habits  of 
this  rare  snake. 

THE  THREE-LINED    BOA 

Lichanura  trivirgata,  (Cope) 

Eye  larger  than  that  of  the  preceding. 

Colouration. — Pale  yellow  or  brownish,  with  three  vividly 
defined  dark  brown  stripes  or  bands,  extending  from  the  snout 
to  the  end  of  the  tail;  the  central  of  these  bands  is  four  scales 
wide  and  those  on  each  side  of  it  are  five  scales  wide;  the  bands 
are  separated  by  spaces  three  and  a  half  scales  in  width. 

Distribution. — The  original  specimens  were  found  in  swamps 
among  the  mountains  near  Cape  St.  Lucas,  Lower  California. 

THE    RUBBER    BOA  — SILVER   SNAKE— TWO-HEADED 

SNAKE  — WORM   SNAKE 

Cbarina  botta*  (Blainville) 

Size  moderate.  Form  very  stout.  The  tail  is  almost  as 
blunt  as  the  head,  hence  one  of  the  popular  names — two-headed 

*  A  single  specimen  was  described  by  Prof.  Cope  as  C.  brachyops;  it 
differs  from  bottce  in  the  absence  of  a  loreal  plate,  bringing  the  postnasal 
in  contact  with  the  preocular  and  in  the  rear  prefrontal  forming  a  part  of 
the  orbit. 

2TT 


The  Blind  Snakes  and  Dwarf  Boas 

snake.    Scales  of  the  body   very   small;  smooth   and   shining. 
Forward  portion  of  head  with  fair-sized  shields. 

Colouration.  —  Brown,  gray  or  olive;  abdomen  yellow  and 
immaculate.  There  is  no  pattern. 

Dimensions. — Total  Length 15^  inches. 

Length  of  Tail 2\ 

Greatest  Diameter £      " 

WidthofHead f      " 

LengthofHead ft 

Distribution. — The  Pacific  region  generally,  from  Washing- 
ton (inclusive)  to  Lower  California;  eastward  to  central  Nevada. 
This  species  ranges  farther  from  the  equator  than  any  other  of 
the  Boidce. 

Habits. — Several  examples  of  this  stubby  little  boa  have 
been  under  the  writer's  observation.  They  are  very  shy  and 
if  their  cage  is  provided  with  a  layer  of  moss  or  sand,  will  at 
once  work  their  way  into  it,  indicating  subterraneous  habits, 
when  in  a  wild  state.  Their  actions  are  much  like  those  dis- 
played by  the  Old  World  sand  boas  (Eryx).  They  have  a  mild 
disposition  and  can  be  handled  without  showing  any  signs  of 
hostility.  Occasional  specimens  will  contract  the  body  into 
a  series  of  veritable  knots  and  twists,  and  assume  so  spherical 
an  outline  that  they  may  be  rolled  about  like  a  ball. 

As  captives,  these  snakes  are  fairly  hardy  and  will  eat  young 
mice  and  very  small  birds,  constricting  the  prey  in  the  same 
fashion  as  the  giant  members  of  the  Boida. 


319 


CHAPTER  XXVI:    THE  STRIPED  SNAKES-GAR- 
TER SNAKES 

GENUS  EUTVENIA 

A  Genus  of  North  American  Snakes  that  are  Noted  for  their  Abundance 
and  the  Great  Variation  of  Pattern  Among  Some  of  the  Species — 
Key  to  the  Identification  of  Species — Detailed  Descriptions — 
Keys  to  the  Identification  of  Varieties  —  Habits 

THE  species  of  this  genus  are  characteristic  from  their  pat- 
tern— usually  three  narrow  yellow  stripes  upon  a  darker  ground- 
colour. One  of  the  stripes  is  upon  the  back;  the  others  are  on 
the  lower  portions  of  the  sides. 

The  Striped  Snakes  are  the  most  abundant  of  North  American 
serpents.  They  frequent  every  portion  of  the  continent  in 
which  snakes  are  found  and  extend  as  far  southward  as  Central 
America.  From  a  structural  standpoint,  they  are  closely  related 
to  the  water  snakes  (Tropidonotus) — a  relationship  also  demon- 
strated by  the  semi-aquatic  habits  of  some  of  the  species.  All 
of  the  species  produce  living  young  and  generally  to  a  large  num- 
ber, which  condition  explains  the  general  abundance  of  these 
reptiles. 

As  the  Striped  Snakes  feed  entirely  upon  cold-blooded  prey 
— frogs,  toads,  fishes  and  worms,  they  cannot  be  classed  as  useful 
to  the  agriculturist.  However,  all  of  the  species  are  quite  harm- 
less and  inoffensive. 

It  is  with  real  misgiving  that  the  writer  begins  this  chapter, 
for  no  genus  of  North  American  serpents  is  so  difficult  to  describe 
as  the  present  one — and  particularly,  to  treat  in  a  popular 
manner.  Among  several  of  the  species  the  variations  in  pat- 
tern are  so  elaborate,  that  to  describe  the  different  species  on  the 
basis  of  colouration  alone  would  be  to  bring  about  a  meaningless 
repetition  of  exhaustive  details.  The  commoner  species  vary 
to  a  bewildering  degree,  and  in  such  a  fashion  that  the  beginner 
might  be  led  to  mistake  a  pronounced  variety  of  one  species  for 
the  typical  form  of  another. 

As  reptiles  generally  have  suffered  from  the  tendency  to  create 

213 


The  Striped  Snakes — Garter  Snakes 

names  for  "new  species"  upon  variations  of  the  parent  form, 
and  base  "sub-species"  innumerable  upon  slight  differences  of 
pattern  the  reader  will  at  once  appreciate  what  inspiration  this 
genus  would  furnish  to  the  enthusiastic  technical  worker,  whose 
ambition  it  is  to  add  to  the  mass  of  scientific  nomenclature. 
And  such  has  been  the  case.  Concerning  this  genus  a  battle  of 
nomenclature  has  raged.  Even  the  well  established  generic 
name — Eutcenia,  of  Baird  and  Girard,  that  appeared  in  their  ex- 
cellent Catalogue  of  the  North  American  Snakes,  in  1853,  has 
been  declared  to  be  inappropriate,  and  other  generic  names 
have  been  proposed,  to  be  in  turn  combated.  One  distinguished 
American  authority  recognised  nearly  fifty  species  and  sub- 
species of  the  genus.  His  descriptions  of  them  were  bewildering. 
Some  of  the  descriptions  of  varieties  (sub-species)  were  based 
upon  single  specimens.  Among  serpents  that  vary  almost  individ- 
ually, the  value  of  such  descriptions  is  open  to  some  speculation. 

Foreign  authorities  have  treated  this  genus  from  an  exactly 
reverse  attitude.  Species  have  been  run  together  in  such  stren- 
uous fashion  that  but  few  remain  to  represent  the  genus.  Thus, 
if  the  student  is  to  examine  the  few  technical  works  on  reptiles, 
he  will  be  confronted  by  these  extremes,  and  with  a  very  mis- 
leading result. 

With  this  explanation  the  reader  will  appreciate  the  author's 
misgivings  in  preparing  the  present  chapter.  To  popularise  the 
treatment  of  a  genus  of  snakes  evincing  extreme  variability, 
so  as  to  make  identification  simple  to  the  beginner  and  valu- 
able to  the  advanced  student  as  well,  is  a  difficult  proposition. 
However,  the  task  has  been  attempted  and  the  student  is  thus 
advised  to  go  about  the  identification  of  specimens: 

1.  Pay   especial   attention   to  form — whether  stout,  or  very 
elongate,  the  outline  of  the  head,  and  proportionate  length  of  the  tail. 

2.  Ascertain  on  what  rows  of  scales  the  stripe  of  the  $ide    is 
situated. 

3.  Note  the  character  of  the  spots  (if  any)  between  the  stripes. 

4.  Take   care  to  consider  the   locality  in  which  the  specimen 
was  captured. 

With  these  suggestions  in  mind,  the  student  should  study 
the  key  that  is  given  herewith.  From  this  he  will  gain  a  bird's- 
eye  view  of  the  genus  and  the  distribution  of  the  species. 

It  must  be  understood  that  the  patterns  cited  in  the  key 

214 


The  Striped  Snakes — Garter  Snakes 


convey  illustrations  of  the  general  run  of  colouration  of  the 
typical  representatives  of  the  different  species  and  that  many  wide 
diversities  of  both  colour  and  pattern  occur  among  these  snakes. 
Consequently  the  key  can  be  nothing  but  a  general  outline  of 
the  genus  Eutcenia.  Those  species  marked  with  a  *  exhibit  phases 
of  variation  that  may  be  very  confusing  to  the  beginner.  Such 
variations  are  treated  in  separate  keys  under  the  heads  of  the 
respective  reptiles  to  which  they  appeal,  in  the  detailed  descrip- 
tions following  the  key. 

Only  those  species  occurring  in  the  United  States  and  north- 
ern Mexico  have  been  considered.  Several  species  inhabit 
Mexico  and  Central  America,  but  it  is  necessary  that  our  museums 
should  possess  larger  series  than  those  now  existing,  before  a 
fair  estimate  of  the  standing  of  these  extreme  southern  snakes, 
may  be  given. 

The  key  follows:* 

Division  A.     General  Pattern. — Three  Yellowish  Stripes  on  a  Darker 
Ground-colour . 

'  a.   Very  slender.   Tail  a  third  or  more  of  the  total  length. 
Brown  or  black;   three,  vivid  yellow  stripes. 

RIBBON  SNAKE,  E.  saurita. 
Distribution. — United  States  east  of  the  Mis- 
sissippi. 

Olive,  brown  or  black ;  yellow  stripes  on  the  sides 
but  none  on  the  back  except  for  a  short  dis- 
tance behind  the  head. 

SOUTHERN    RIBBON    SNAKE,  E.  Sackeni. 

Distribution. — South  Carolina,  Georgia  and 
Florida. 

b.  Moderately  slender.     Tail  less  than  a  third  the  total 
length. 

Brown  or  black;  three  yellow  stripes — those  on 
sides  paler  than  the  one  on  back. 

WESTERN    RIBBON    SNAKE,  E.  prOXtma.* 

Distribution. — United  States  west  of  the  Mis- 
sissippi, except  in  Indiana  and  Illinois; 
southward  to  Mexico. 

c.  Moderately  stout.    Tail  about  a  quarter  the  total  length. 

Ashy-brown;  three,  narrow  yellow  stripes. 

ARIZONA    GARTER    SNAKE,  E.  megalopS. 

Distribution. — New  Mexico,  Arizona  and 
Mexico. 

d.  Body  stout.   Tail  about  a  quarter  the  total  length. 

Brown  or  black;  three,  rather  broad  yellow 
stripes . 

PLAINS    GARTER    SNAKE,  E.  radix. 

Distribution. — Indiana  to  the  Rockies;  Canada 
to  Texas.  A  very  common  species. 


GROUP  I. 

Side  stripes  on « 
the     third     and  ' 
fourth    rows     of 
scales. 


*  From  Arthur  Erwin  Brown,  Superintendent  of  the  Zoological 
Gardens,  in  Philadelphia,  who  is  one  of  the  foremost  authorities  on  the 
variations  of  North  American  snakes,  the  writer  has  received  many 
valuable  suggestions  regarding  this  genus. 


The  Striped  Snakes — Garter  Snakes 


GROUP  III. 

Side  stripes  on 
the   second    and-{ 
third      rows     of 
scales. 


GROUP  II.        f 

|  e.  Body  stout;  neck  slender;  head  very  small. 

Side  stripes  on  \  Black  or  brown;  three  broad,  yellow  stripes. 

the  second,  third"]  BUTLER'S  GARTER  SNAKE,  E.  butleri. 

and  fourth  rows  I  Distribution. — Ohio  and  Indiana. 
of  scales. 

Body  stout;  head  moderately  distinct. 
Eight  plates  on  upper  lips;    three  yellow    stripes 
on  a  darker  ground-colour. 

WESTERN     GARTER    SNAKE,  E.   elegans* 

Distribution. — Central    Plains  to  the  Pacific 

Coast. 

Moderately  stout.     Head  very  broad. 
Eight  plates  on  upper  lips;    brown,    with    three 
narrow,  paler  stripes;   two  large  spots  back  of 
the  head. 

BROWN     GARTER    SNAKE,  E.   eqUBS  * 

Distribution. — Western    Texas    to    Arizona; 

Mexico. 

Body  stout;  head  moderately  distinct. 
Seven  plates  on  tipper  lips ;  three  yellow  stripes 
on  a  darker  ground-colour. 

COMMON    GARTER    SNAKE,  E.  sirtalis  * 

Distribution. — The  entire  United   States  and 
Mexico. 

Division  B.     General  Pattern. — Dark    spots    on    a    paler  ground- 
colour.    No  stripes. 
i.    Moderately  stout. 

Gray  or  brown ;   Seven  rows  of  brown  or  reddish  spots. 

SPOTTED  GARTER  SNAKE,  E.  multimaculata . 
Distribution. — Southern  New  Mexico  and  northern  Mexico. 
Pale  brown ;  six  rows  of  small,  reddish  spots  on  the  forward  por- 
tion of  the  body. 

RED-SPOTTED    GARTER    SNAKE,  E.  rufopunctata. 

Distribution. — But  one  specimen  known — from  Arizona. 
*  Subject  to  considerable  variation  of  colour. 

THE  RIBBON  SNAKE 
Eutcenia  saurita,  (Linn.) 

The  species  is  one  of  the  most  slender  of  the  American  ser- 
pents. It  is  of  moderate  size.  The  scales  are  strongly  keeled, 
thus  imparting  a  velvety  aspect  to  the  upper  surface.  With 
most  specimens,  the  tail  constitutes  a  third  or  more  of  the.  total 
length. 

Colouration. — Rich,  dark  brown  or  black  above,  with  a  vivid 
yellow  stripe  extending  down  the  back,  and  a  similar  stripe  on 
each  side,  the  latter  covering  the  third  and  fourth  rows  of  scales 
above  the  abdominal  plates.  With  brown  specimens,  the  stripes 
are  narrowly  bordered  with  black.  The  stripe  on  the  back  is 
very  sharply  delineated  and  produces  a  ribbon-like  aspect — 
hence  the  popular  name. 

216 


The  Striped  Snakes —Garter  Snakes 

Beneath  the  stripe  on  the  side,  is  a  broad  band  of  chestnut- 
brown,  which  covers  the  first  and  second  rows  of  scales  and  ex- 
tends a  slight  distance  over  the  edges  of  the  abdominal  plates. 
The  abdomen  is  immaculate  yellowish-white. 

The  top  of  the  head  is  dark,  but  the  upper  lip  plates  are 
bright  yellow.  In  front  of  the  eye,  which  is  large,  is  an  upright 
and  narrow  yellow  streak  or  spot. 

Like  all  of  the  serpents  of  the  genus  Eutcenia,  the  Ribbon 
Snake  shows  white,  line-like  spots  on  the  skin  between  the  scales 
when  the  body  is  distended.  However,  it  lacks  a  character 
that  is  evident  on  the  majority  of  these  reptiles.  This  consists 
of  a  series  of  square  spots  between  the  stripes,  arranged  in  checker- 
board fashion. 

With  the  exception  of  one  species,  the  Ribbon  Snake  is  quite 
distinct  from  the  other  striped  snakes,  owing  to  its  very  elongate 
form.  The  species  with  which  it  may  be  confused  is  Osten- 
Sacken's  Ribbon  Snake  (E.  sackeni),  another  very  slender  reptile 
with  bright  yellow  stripes  on  the  sides,  but  either  lacking  the 
stripe  of  the  back,  or  possessing  only  a  dull  streak  of  yellow 
immediately  behind  the  head. 

Dimensions. — The  largest  specimen  of  this  species  examined 
by  the  writer  was  taken  near  Fort  Lee,  New  Jersey.  It  measured 
32  inches  in  length;  of  these  dimensions,  the  tail  composed  io£ 
inches.  Following  are  the  measurements  of  an  adult  of  average 
size: 

Total  Length 2  feet,  2     inches. 

Length  of  Tail 9i 

Diameter  of  Body f 

WidthofHead f      " 

Length  of  Head f 

Distribution. — Southeastern  Canada  and  the  United  States, 
east  of  the  Mississippi.  It  is  not  a  very  abundant  species,  and, 
unlike  several  of  the  reptiles  of  this  genus,  appears  to  retreat  from 
the  steadily  increasing  zones  of  cultivation.  The  writer  has 
always  found  it  in  greatest  numbers  along  the  borders  of  streams 
and  lakes,  in  mountainous  regions. 

Habits. — Frequenting  damp  places,  generally  the  grassy 
banks  of  ponds  and  streams,  this  very  active  snake  feeds  upon 
small  frogs,  tadpoles  and  salamanders.  It  swims  and  dives 
with  the  ease  and  agility  of  the  water  snakes,  and  will  take 

217 


The  Striped  Snakes— Garter  Snakes 

refuge  beneath  aquatic  plants,  remaining  under  the  surface  for 
some  minutes. 

On  several  occasions  the  writer  has  observed  these  snakes 
feeding  while  in  a  wild  state.  In  one  instance  he  was  resting 
while  crossing  a  belt  of  heavy  timber,  in  New  Jersey.  The  high, 
rasping  croak  of  a  wood  frog  denoted  something  to  be  the  matter. 
Peering  through  the  undergrowth  a  wood  frog  was  seen  struggling 
in  the  jaws  of  a  Ribbon  Snake.  So  vigorous  was  the  batrachian 
that  it  tore  itself  from  the  reptile's  grasp  and  started  away  in  a 
series  of  frantic  hops,  with  the  snake  in  pursuit.  So  lightning- 
like  were  the  undulations  and  progress  of  the  pursuer  that  it 
readily  kept  up  with  the  frog,  although  the  former  had  a  start 
of  several  feet  gained  immediately  after  its  escape  from  the 
snake's  jaws.  After  a  dozen  frenzied  leaps,  the  frog  paused  to 
recover  breath,  and  the  snake,  momentarily  losing  sight  of  it, 
stopped  as  well,  but  was  all  attention  with  head  and  neck  up- 
raised, eyes  staring  in  the  direction  of  the  prey,  and  flashing  tongue. 
Imagining  the  danger  past  the  frog  settled  down  to  rest.  But 
woe  to  the  unfortunate  creature,  a  single  move  brought  instan- 
taneous fate.  With  the  characteristic  movement  of  frogs  and 
toads  it  folded  its  limbs  tighter  to  its  body  and  flattened  to  the 
damp  ground — but  that  slight  movement  betrayed  its  presence 
to  the  snake,  which  responded  with  a  dash  so  quick  and  unerring 
that  before  the  frog  could  make  a  jump  it  was  in  the  reptile's 
jaws.  The  observer  remained  quiet  until  the  frog  was  swallowed 
and  the  snake,  with  the  outline  of  the  meal  clearly  defined,  glided 
away  among  the  bushes. 

Although  snakes  seem  to  be  provided  with  sharp  sight  for 
small  moving  objects  within  a  reasonable  distance,  that  is,  within 
four  or  five  times  of  their  own  length,  they  appear  to  be  unable 
to  detect  their  prey  if  it  remains  motionless  unless  they  cross  a 
fresh  trail  and  follow  the  scent.  This  interest  in  moving  objects 
seemingly  prompts  captive  Ribbon  Snakes  and  other  frog-eating 
species  to  display  what  may  appear  to  be  remarkable  intelligence 
for  a  serpent.  When  many  of  these  reptiles  are  kept  in  the  same 
case  and  food  is  introduced,  the  snakes  first  seizing  the  small 
frogs  or  fishes  as  the  case  may  be,  at  once  begin  to  thrash  their 
tails  in  a  most  vigorous  fashion,  seemingly  to  attract  the  atten- 
tion of  their  associates  that  are  voraciously  searching  for  the  food, 
having  scented  the  same,  to  the  commotion  of  the  caudal  appen- 

218 


The  Striped  Snakes — Garter  Snakes 

dage  and  away  from  what  the  reptile  thus  performing,  is  swal- 
lowing. There  is,  of  course,  a  possibility  that  the  snakes  thus 
manoeuvring  are  merely  displaying  nervous  symptoms  in  the 
anticipation  that  their  feeding  will  meet  interference,  but  so 
invariable  are  these  antics  that  the  first  theory  appears  more 
logical. 

The  number  of  young  produced  by  this  viviparous  species 
is  much  smaller  than  with  the  majority  of  species  of  this  genus. 
The  average  brood  numbers  about  a  dozen. 

Unlike  most  of  the  striped  snakes,  which  are  voraciously 
fond  of  earthworms,  repeated  observations  of  the  Ribbon  Snake 
demonstrate  that  the  species  does  not  feed  upon  them. 

THE  SOUTHERN  RIBBON  SNAKE  OR  OSTEN-SACKEN'S 

RIBBON  SNAKE 
Eutcenia  sackeni,  (Kennicott) 

Size  and  form  like  the  preceding  species,  but  the  colouration 
is  distinctly  different. 

Colouration. — Dark  brown,  green  or  olive  above,  with  a 
bright  yellow  stripe  on  each  side,  on  the  third  and  fourth  rows 
of  scales.  With  some  specimens  there  is  an  indistinct  stripe  on 
the  back,  showing  more  brightly  for  an  inch  or  so  behind  the 
head.  With  the  majority,  however,  the  stripe  of  the  back  is 
absent  with  the  exception  of  a  yellow  streak  on  the  neck. 

The  abdomen  is  yellowish-white,  and  immaculate,  the  edges 
of  the  plates  tinged  with  brown  as  with  the  ribbon  snake.  When 
distended,  the  skin  of  the  body  shows  elongated,  white  spots, 
There  are  no  square,  black  blotches  between  the  stripes — the 
same  possessed  by  many  of  the  garter  snakes. 

Dimensions. — This  serpent  appears  to  be  a  somewhat  smaller 
species  than  the  closely  allied  ribbon  snake.  The  measurements 
given  are  of  an  adult: 

Total  Length iyf  inches. 

Length  of  Tail 6| 

Greatest  Diameter \      " 

Width  of  Head 

Length  of  Head \ 

Distribution. — The  coast  regions  of  South  Carolina  and 
Georgia;  Florida  generally. 

Habits. — In  habits  this  species  is  very  similar  to  the  Ribbon 

219 


The  Striped  Snakes — Garter  Snakes 

Snake.  It  is  very  aquatic,  and  is  seen  frequently  sunning  on 
the  branches  of  bushes  that  overhang  the  water  into  which  it 
drops  when  alarmed. 

It  produces  small  broods  of  living  young. 

THE  WESTERN  RIBBON  SNAKE 
Eutcenia  proxima,  (Say) 

In  general  outlines  this  species  resembles  the  common  rib- 
bon snake,  but  the  body  is  distinctly  stouter,  the  tail  proportion- 
ately shorter  and  the  head  broader. 

Colouration. — The  body  is  marked  with  three  vividly  defined 
stripes,  on  a  black  or  dark  brown  ground,  but  the  stripe  on  the 
back  is  quite  different  in  shade  from  those  on  the  sides.  With  the 
greater  number  of  specimens  the  stripe  on  the  back  is  deep 
orange-yellow,  while  the  side  stripes  are  pale  greenish-yellow. 
Beneath  the  stripe  on  the  side  is  a  band  of  black  or  dark  brown — 
covering  the  ist  and  2d  rows  of  scales — and  causing  this  paler 
stripe  to  appear  in  bold  contrast. 

The  abdomen  is  immaculate  greenish-white. 

Variations. — The  ground  colour  varies  as  does  the  colour 
of  the  stripes.  Specimens  from  the  Mississippi  Valley  are  usually 
jet-black,  or  very  dark  brown,  with  an  orange  stripe  on  the  back 
and  pale  greenish  stripes  on  the  sides.  Frequent  specimens 
from  Texas  possess  a  bright  red  stripe  on  the  back.  The  ground 
colour  of  Texas  and  Mexican  specimens  varies  into  rich  shades  of 
green.  There  are  no  tessellated  markings  between  the  stripes, 
as  seen  with  several  of  the  commoner  species  of  this  genus. 

Dimensions. — The  measurements  given  are  of  an  adult 
female  specimen,  captured  near  Dallas  City,  Illinois. 

Total  Length 30^  inches. 

Length  of  Tail , 8*      * 

Greatest  Diameter    f       <7 

Width  of  Head *      " 

LengthofHead |f 

Distribution. — The  Central  States  (the  Mississippi  Valley) 
including  Indiana  and  Illinois  in  the  East  and  Wisconsin  in  the 
North,  thence  southward  to  Louisana.  Westward,  throughout 
eastern  Texas  and  eastern  Mexico  as  far  south  as  central  Vera 
Cruz. 

220 


The  Striped  Snakes— Garter  Snakes 

Habits. — In  habits  this  snake  appeals  to  the  two  preceding 
species.  It  is  very  quick  in  its  motions,  and  appears  to  be  per- 
fectly at  home  in  the  water,  swimming  with  agility  and  extreme 
grace  and  diving  to  the  bottom  of  a  pond  or  stream  and  there 
secreting  itself  among  aquatic  plants. 

Captive  specimens  are  very  hardy,  and  will  live  indefinitely 
upon  a  diet  of  small  frogs  or  fishes.  A  number  of  specimens  in 
the  writer's  collection  were  very  fond  of  climbing  into  a  small 
branch  that  had  been  placed  in  their  cage.  Here  they  would 
coil  in  a  tight  cluster,  with  heads  protruding  in  every  direction. 
Upon  the  introduction  of  food  they  would  dart  for  the  prey  in 
frenzied  fashion,  the  lucky  individuals  thrashing  their  tails 
violently  as  if  to  distract  the  attention  of  their  hungry  associates 
from  the  morsels  in  the  jaws  of  the  former.  One  of  these  snakes 
gave  birth  to  fifteen  young  on  the  24th  of  August. 

THE  ARIZONA  GARTER  SNAKE 

Euttenia  me  galops,  (Kennicott) 

The  Arizona  Garter  Snake  stands  as  a  connecting  link  be- 
tween the  three  slender-bodied  species  already  described  and  the 
much  stouter  species  of  Eutcenia.  In  form,  it  is  moderately 
stout,  though  less  so  than  the  succeeding  species.  The  form 
appeals  somewhat  to  the  Western  ribbon  snake  (E.  proximo), 
but  compared  with  that  species  the  body  is  distinctly  stouter, 
the  head  much  broader  and  the  eyes  larger,  while  the  tail  is 
proportionately  shorter — about  one  quarter  of  the  total  length. 
Besides  these  structural  differences,  the  pattern  differs  from  that 
of  the  Western  ribbon  snake,  the  stripes  of  the  sides  being  very 
narrow — and  all  of  the  stripes  are  of  a  uniform  greenish-yellow 
or  whitish. 

Colouration. — Ashen  brown,  or  clay  colour,  with  narrow 
black  lines,  or  spots  on  the  edges  of  many  of  the  scales;  these 
spots,  however,  do  not  produce  the  tessellated  (checker-board) 
pattern  between  the  stripes  as  with  most  of  the  succeeding  species. 
The  stripe  on  the  back  is  yellowish  or  greenish-white,  and  not  so 
sharply  delineated  as  with  the  species  of  the  "ribbon  snake" 
group.  The  stripes  on  the  sides  cover  portions  of  the  third  and 
fourth  rows  of  scales ;  they  are  narrow  and  of  the  same  colour  as 
the  stripe  on  the  back.  Above,  the  head  is  paler  than  the 

221 


The  Striped  Snakes — Garter  Snakei 

body  and  the  upper  lip  plates  (superior  labials)  are  greenish, 
margined  with  black. 

The  abdomen  is  greenish-yellow,  the  edges  of  the  plates 
narrowly  spotted  with  black. 

Dimensions. — The  measurements  are  of  a  specimen  captured 
on  Duck  Creek,  a  tributary  of  the  Gila  River,  by  the  late  Prof. 
E.  D.  Cope: 

Total  Length 24    inches. 

Length  of  Tail 6J 

Greatest  Diameter £       " 

Width  of  Head \      " 

Length  of  Head f 

Distributions. — Arizona,  New  Mexico  and  the  states  of  Sonora 
and  Chihuahua,  Mexico.  In  Mexico  the  species  is  very  abundant.* 

Habits. — Like  many  of  the  Western  garter  snakes,  this 
species  seems  to  be  semi-aquatic  in  habits,  generally  frequenting 
the  borders  of  streams  and  taking  to  the  water  when  alarmed. 

THE   PLAINS   GARTER   SNAKE 
Euiania  radix,  (Baird  &  Girard) 

This  very  abundant  snake  of  the  plains  region  is  stout  in 
form,  with  broad  and  distinct  head. 

Colouration. — Dark  brown,  olive  or  black  above,  with  three 
very  distinct,  yellow  stripes — those  of  the  sides  on  the  third  and 
fourth  rows  of  scales.  The  stripe  on  the  back  is  rich  yellow; 
the  side  stripes  are  usually  of  a  considerably  paler  hue.  Except 
with  very  dark  specimens,  there  are  two  distinct  rows  of  square 
black  spots  between  the  stripes. 

The  abdomen  is  greenish,  with  'black  spots  on  the  edges  of 
the  plates.  The  upper  lip  plates  are  yellow,  heavily  margined 
with  black. 

Although  this  species  resembles  the  common  garter  snake 
(E.  sirtalis)  in  stoutness  of  body,  it  may  be  at  once  recognised 
from  the  latter  species  by  the  presence  of  the  lateral  (side)  stripe 
on  the  third  and  fourth  rows  of  scales — this  stripe  with  sirtalis 
being  on  the  second  and  third  rows  of  scales. 

*  A  closely  allied  species,  Rutcenia  macrostemma,  Kenn.,  inhabits 
Mexico  generally,  but  does  not  seem  to  occur  in  the  United  States. 

222 


THE  REPTILE  BOOK 


PLATE  LXV 


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i 

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4f      i   -5! 

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1     61     'V    7\  •     .' 

COMMON  GARTER  SNAKE,  Eulcsmia  sirtalis 
BUTLER'S  GARTER  SNAKE,  EuHenia  butleri 


\VESTERN  RIBBON  SNAKE,  Bulimia  proximo. 


> 

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-:    1  , 

WATER  MOCCASIN.  A ncistrodon  piseivorus.     (Venomous.) 
BREEDING  HABITS  OF  SNAKES.     NEWLY  BORN  EXAMPLES  OF  VIVIPAROUS  SNAKES 


THE  REPTILE  ROOK 


9  10  ii 

i,  4,  10    Eutania  sirtalis.     New  York.  2,  7     Eutania  elegans  mirciana.     Texas. 

3,  Si  ii     Eutaenia  elegans.    California.  8     Eutoenia  eques.    Arizona. 


12     Eutcenia  butleri.     Ohio. 

6,  9     Eutcenia  saurita.     New  York 


The  Striped  Snakes — Garter  Snakes 

Dimensions. — Total  Length 32  inches 

Length  of  Tail 6f 

Greatest  Diameter £       " 

WidthofHead f      " 

LengthofHead i| 

Distribution. — The  common  striped  snake  of  the  Central 
States,  where  it  occurs  over  an  extended  area.  It  is  found  from 
western  Ohio  to  the  eastern  slopes  of  the  Rocky  Mountains. 
Northward  the  range  is  into  southern  Canada  and  southward 
into  northern  Texas. 

Habits. — Although  many  specimens  of  this  snake  are  found 
in  dry  areas,  others  frequent  the  neighborhood  of  streams  and 
pools,  where  their  habits  are  much  like  those  of  the  water  snakes. 
When  alarmed  they  take  to  the  water,  and  diving  to  the  bottom 
wriggle  among  aquatic  plants  where  they  remain  for  some  time. 
These  specimens  feed  largely  upon  fishes.  It  is  hardy  as 
a  captive,  feeding  voraciously  upon  frogs,  toads  and  fishes.  A 
large  brood  of  living  young  is  produced  in  August. 

BUTLER'S    GARTER    SNAKE 

Eutcenia  butleri,  (Cope) 

Butler's  Garter  Snake  is  a  peculiar  and  distinct  species, 
both  from  its  form  and  pattern.  It  is  one  of  the  smaller  species. 

The  body  is  stout,  but  tapers  to  a  long,  thin  neck  and  a 
very  small  head,  which  is  of  the  same  width  as  the  neck.  This 
small  head  is  a  strong  characteristic  and  quite  distinctly  sepa- 
rates this  species  from  any  other  snake  of  the  genus.  The  tail  is 
very  short.  The  outlines  of  this  snake  are  much  like  those  of 
the  pigmy  water  snake — Tropidodonium  lineatum. 

Colouration. — The  yellow  stripes  are  vividly  delineated  and 
ribbon-like.  The  character  of  the  stripe  upon  the  side  tends  to 
place  this  species  midway  between  those  possessing  the  lateral 
(side)  stripe  on  the  third  and  fourth  rows  of  scales  and  the  suc- 
ceeding members  of  the  genus — with  the  lateral  stripe  on  the 
second  and  third  rows  of  scales. 

The  ground  colour  is  uniform,  rich  dark  brown  or  black, 
with  a  vivid  yellow  stripe  on  the  back  and  a  stripe  of  similar 
colour  on  the  side,  covering  the  upper  half  of  the  second,  the  entire 
third  and  the  lower  half  of  the  fourth  rows  of  scales.  Beneath  this 
stripe  is  a  broad,  dark  band,  as  seen  on  the  ribbon  snake.  The 

223 


The  Striped  Snakes — Garter  Snakes 

abdomen  is  greenish-white,  with  narrow  black  spots  on  the  edges 
of  some  of  the  plates. 

Dimensions. — The  measurements  comprise  an  average  taken 
from  a  series  of  fifteen  specimens.  These  were  captured  near 
Sandusky,  Ohio. 

Total  Length 17!  inches. 

Length  of  Tail 4 

Greatest  Diameter £       " 

Width  of  Head -& 

Length  of  Head f      1' 

The  very  small  head,  as  compared  with  the  diameter  of  the 
thickest  part  of  the  body,  may  be  noted  from  the  preceding 
table  of  measurements. 

Distribution. — Common  in  Ohio  and  Indiana.  The  species 
possibly  occurs  in  adjacent  states,  though  the  writer's  records 
are  limited  to  the  former.* 

Habits. — The  habits  are  quite  similar  to  those  of  the  larger 
(succeeding  species).  Captive  individuals  feed  equally  well  upon 
small  frogs,  toads,  fishes  and  earthworms.  They  will  live  for 
years  in  a  plain  box,  with  a  glass  front — the  cage  not  longer 
than  the  reptiles'  length  and  about  a  foot  wide. 

A  captive  female  specimen  gave  birth  to  twelve  young  on 
the  4th  of  August.  The  mother  was  19!  inches  long  and  the 
young  showed  an  average  length  of  5!  inches;  in  colouration 
they  were  much  like  young  ribbon  snakes  as  the  ground-colour 
was  brown  and  the  vivid  yellow  stripes  were  black-bordered. 

THE  WESTERN  GARTER  SNAKE 

Eutcenia  elegans,  (Baird  &  Girard) 

The  preceding  species  of  Eutcenia  described,  although  evinc- 
ing some  variation  in  the  ground-colour,  do  not  display  .^any 
variation  of  -pattern.  In  consequence,  none  of  these  is  repre- 
sented by  varieties  or  sub-species.  The  present  species — the 
Western  Garter  Snake — presents  different  conditions.  It  is 
an  extremely  variable  species  and  represented  by  several  very 
distinct  varieties,  which  will  be  described  under  their  respective 
names.  'Among  these  form,  pattern  and  distribution  show 

*  To  Prof.  E.  L.  Moseley,  the  writer  is  indebted  for  all  of  his  speci- 
mens— about  fifteen  in  number. 

224 


THE  REPTILE  BOOK 

BBUBH&ransKrak 


PLATE  LXVH 


RIBBON  SNAKE,  Eutatnia  saurita 
Most  slender  of  the  striped  snakes.    Frequents  the  borders  of  ponds  and  streams  in  the  Eastern  States.     Feeds  upon  frogs  and  fishes 


SOUTHERN  RIBBON  SNAKE,  Eutasnia  sackeni 
Told  from  the  common  ribbon  snake  by  the  absence  of  a  stripe  on  the  back 


WESTERN  RIBBON  SNAKE,  Eutcenia  proxima 
The  central  stripe  is  orange  or  red,  the  side  stripes  greenish  yellow.     By  this  character  the  species  is  quite  distinct 


THE  RFPTILE  BOOK 


PLATE  LXVIII 


PLAINS  GARTER  SNAKE.  Eulania  radix 
Though  thick-bodied  it  appeals  to  the  ribbon  snakes,  as  the  stripes  on  the  sides  are  on  the  3d  and  4th  rows  of  scales.     A  Plains  species 


BUTLER'S  GARTER  SNAKE.  Euttrnia  bulleri 

Owing  to  its  extremely  small  head  the  species  is  unique  among  the  strined  snakes.    The  stripes  on  the  sides  usually  cover 

portions  of  the  zd,  3d  and  4th  rows  of  scales 


The  Striped  Snakes — Garter  Snakes 

interesting  differences.    To  render  these  comprehensive,  a  simple 
key  is  given: 

General. — 21  rows  of  scales — counted  in  an  oblique  line  around 
the  body  (occasionally  19).  Body  rather  stout  and  with 
three  stripes  (except  in  one  variety) — the  side  stripe  on 
the  second  and  third  rows  of  scales. 

General    Habitat. — The  central  plains  to  the  Pacific 
Coast. 

1 .  No  markings  on  head. 

Blackish  or  olive;  stripe  on  side  not  very  distinct.  None 
or  but  faint  spots  between  the  stripes. 

PACIFIC  GARTER  SNAKE,  E.  elegans — typical. 

Distribution. — California  to  Oregon. 

Blackish  or  olive;  an  orange  stripe  on  the  back;    no 

stripes  on  the  sides.   Abdomen  greenish,  throat  yellow. 

SINGLE-STRIPED  GARTER  SNAKE,  E.  elegans  infernalis. 

Distribution. — Pacific  region. 

Greenish  or  ashy;  a  pale  yellow  stripe  on  back  and  sides 
(latter  faint).  Rows  of  small,  round  spots  between 
stripes,  some  of  the  spots  breaking  central  stripe. 
One  plate  in  front  of  eye  (preocular). 

GREEN  GARTER  SNAKE,  E.  elegans  vagrans. 
Distribution. — Central    plains    to    Pacific  Coast — 

Oregon  to  California. 
Two  plates  in  front  of  eye  (preoculars.) 
Markings  like  preceding. 

WASHINGTON  GARTER  SNAKE,  E.  elegans  biscutata. 
Distribution. — Washington  and  Oregon. 

2.  A  pale  crescent  on  each  temple. 

Straw-colour,  with  narrow  stripes  and  rows  of  large, 
square  black  spots. 

r^        7  • 

MARCY  s  GARTER  SNAKE,  E.  elegans  marciana. 
Distribution. — Central  Texas  through  Arizona. 
Dark   brown  or  olive,  stripes  narrow  and  spots  indis- 
tinct. 

COUCH'S  GARTER  SNAKE,  E.  elegans  couchi. 
Distribution. — Arizona  and  California. 

The  Typical  Form. — The  typical  form  of  this  species  ap- 
peals much  to  several  varieties  of  the  more  widely  distributed 
E.  sirtalis.  It  is  a  smaller  reptile  however,  and  evinces  a  dif- 
ference of  the  chin  shields* — as  do  all  the  varieties  of  the  species, 
which  character  may  be  generally  employed  in  distinguishing 
the  forms  of  this  species  from  those  of  the  allied  reptile — sirtalis. 

*  This  useful  point  for  identification  was  called  to  the  writer's  at- 
tention by  Mr.  Arthur  Erwin  Brown. 

225 


The  Striped  Snakes — Garter  Snakes 

Illustration — chins.  Examination  will  show  the  larger  chin  shields 
of  E.  elegans  to  be  fairly  uniform  in  size,  while  the  rear  pair  of 
these  with  E.  sirtalis  are  considerably  the  longer.  Besides  these 
characters,  the  scales  of  the  body,  of  the  present  species,  are 
generally  arranged  in  21  oblique  rows  and  there  are  usually 
eight  upper  lip  plates.  The  allied  species  generally  possesses 
19  rows  of  scales  and  seven  upper  labial  plates.  However, 
both  species  exhibit  variations  into  one  or  the  other  combinations 
— a  condition  which  may  demonstrate,  with  further  investiga- 
tion that  the  two  are  not  thoroughly  distinct  species. 

Colouration. — The  pattern  of  the  Pacific  Garter  Snake  is 
not  unlike  that  of  some  of  the  Eastern  forms  of  sirtalis.  The 
ground-colour  is  blackish,  olive  or  dark  brown.  There  is  a 
bright  stripe  (generally  yellow)  of  moderate  width  upon  the  back 
and  a  less  sharply  defined  stripe  on  the  side.  Few  specimens 
possess  any  but  a  slight  trace  of  spots  between  the  stripes.  The 
abdomen  is  greenish  yellow;  the  throat  bright  yellow.  There 
are  no  dark  borders  on  the  upper  lip  plates. 

Variation. — Even  with  the  typical  form  there  is  a  con- 
siderable degree  of  variation  in  colour  as  well  as  in  the  definition 
of  the  stripe  on  the  side.  Some  specimens  have  a  red  stripe 
on  the  back  and  yellow  stripes  on  the  sides.  Others  have  a 
yellow,  central  stripe  and  bright  red  stripes  on  the  sides.  Many 
specimens  have  a  pronounced,  bright  yellow  central  stripe,  and 
dull  greenish  stripes  on  the  sides. 

A  number  of  specimens  received  from  California  are  bril- 
liantly marked.  They  are  black  above,  with  a  vivid  yellow 
stripe  on  the  back,  and  rich,  brick  red  stripes  on  the  sides.  The 
abdomen  is  green,  blotched  and  speckled  with  red  to  such  an 
extent  as  to  make  the  under  side  of  the  snake  appear  as  if  the 
reptile  had  crawled  over  a  surface  spotted  with  blood. 

Dimensions. — Following  are  the  measurements  of  ai\  adult 
specimen : 

Total  Length 27!  inches 

Length  of  Tail 5! 

Greatest  Diameter f     " 

Width  of  Head f     " 

Length  of  Head i-jV  ' 

Distribution. — The  Pacific  coast  region — Oregon  to  Cali- 
fornia. 

226 


The  Striped  Snakes — Garter  Snakes 

THE  SINGLE-STRIPED  GARTER  SNAKE 

Eutcenia  elegans  variety  inf emails,  (Cope) 
This  is  a  fairly  distinct,  showy  reptile,  but  very  closely 

related  to  the  typical  form.     In  size  it  is  exactly  like  the  latter 

and  the  scalation  is  the  same. 

Colouration. — Olive  or  blackish,  with  a    rich  orange-yellow 

stripe  on  the  back.     There  are  no  traces  of  stripes  on  the  sides.    The 

abdomen  is  olive,  with  a  central  row  of  yellow  blotches,  becoming 

narrower  and  disappearing  toward  the  tail.     The  throat  is  bright 

yellow. 

Young  specimens  of  this  variety  show  fairly  distinct  greenish 

stripes  upon  the  sides,  a  character  demonstrating  the  very  close 

relationship  to  the  typical  form. 

Dimensions. — Total  Length 26  inches. 

Length  of  Tail 6 

Greatest  Diameter f  " 

Width  of  Head f  " 

Length  of  Head if  " 

Distribution. — California. 

Habits. — Were  it  not  for  the  remarkable  actions  exhibited 
by  serpents  of  the  colouration  of  this  variety,  the  writer  would 
be  tempted  to  consider  the  present  reptile  as  but  a  phase  of 
the  typical  form.  From  the  latter  its  habits  are  different  and 
quite  eccentric — at  least  as  regards  its  activity  and  methods 
of  locomotion.  It  progresses  in  a  rapid  series  of  close,  S-shaped 
movements  and  generally  in  an  oblique  direction  to  that  in  which 
the  head  is  pointing — an  evolution  performed,  though  at  a  greatly 
reduced  speed,  by  the  "side-winder"  rattlesnake.  While  mak- 
ing off  in  this  fashion,  if  the  snake  is  closely  pursued,  it  will 
actually  leap  forward,  for  a  distance  of  nearly  a  foot,  by  suddenly 
straightening  the  body.  The  writer  has  repeatedly  noted  the 
habit  of  these  snakes  of  leaping  from  their  cage  when  it  is  opened, 
throwing  the  body  forward  in  a  straight  position,  then  making 
off  over  the  floor  at  such  a  gait  that  it  required  some  agility  to 
catch  them.  The  oblique  method  of  progression  at  such  times 
is  almost  uncanny.  Of  a  large  number  of  specimens,  comprising 
three  separate  shipments,  all  displayed  the  same  agile  move- 
ments. They  fed  voraciously  upon  small  toads  and  occasionally 
upon  frogs,  but  exhibited  a  decided  liking  for  the  former.  A 

227 


The  Striped  Snakes — Carter  Snakes 

number  of  these  specimens  gave  birth  to  young  and,  judging 
from  the  small  number  in  each  litter,  this  form  does  not  pro- 
duce large  broods  as  compared  with  related  forms  and  species 
of  the  genus.  The  largest  brood  produced  numbered  fifteen 
young.  These  were  born  on  the  2oth  of  August.  Another 
specimen  gave  birth  to  8  young  on  the  twenty-third  of  the 
same  month,  and  a  third  to  7  young,  on  the  5th  of  September. 

THE  GREEN  GARTER  SNAKE 
Euiania  elegans,  variety  vagrans,  (Baird  &  Girard) 

The  present  form  is  easily  recognised.  The  eyes  are  small 
and  the  upper  lips  are  swollen  and  covered  with  large  shields- 
characters  which  impart  a  sinister  aspect  to  the  head.  The 
body  is  rather  stout. 

Colouration. — Greenish  gray  or  yellowish  above,  with  a 
narrow,  yellow  stripe  on  the  back  and  very  indistinct  stripes 
on  the  sides.  Between  the  stripes  are  two  rows  of  small,  rounded 
black  spots;  on  the  forward  part  of  the  body,  some  of  the  spots 
of  the  two  upper  rows  fuse  together,  thus  breaking  the  central 
stripe.  With  some  specimens  the  spots  over  the  greater  part 
of  the  body  fuse  into  the  formation  of  narrow,  wavy  cross-bands. 
The  abdomen  is  gray,  profusely  dotted  or  marbled  with  black. 
There  is  usually  a  pair  of  dark  blotches  behind  the  temples. 

Dimensions. — A  specimen  from  Beaver  County,  Utah, 
shows  the  following  dimensions: 

Total  Length 28^  inches. 

Length  of  Tail - .  6f 

Greatest  Diameter M.     f 

WidthofHead .  .\     f 

Lengthof Head iTV 

Distribution. — The  variety  vagrans  is  widely  distributed 
and  very  abundant.  It  occurs  from  the  Plains  region^  to  the 
Pacific  coast — northward  to  Oregon  and  southward  into  south- 
ern California,  Arizona  and  New  Mexico. 

Habits. — In  habits  this  form  appears  to  be  quite  as  aquatic 
as  the  typical  water  snakes — as  least  as  regards  many  spec- 
imens figuring  in  the  records  of  the  writer.  Captive  specimens 
will  enter  a  tank  in  chase  of  minnows  and  display  great  agility 
in  catching  the  darting  fish.  This  reptile  literally  swarms  over 
many  portions  of  the  West. 

228 


THE  REPTILE  BOOK 


PLATE  LXIX 


WESTERN  GARTER  SNAKE,  EuKenia  elegans 
Differs  from  its  rival  species — E.  sirtalis — in  the  greater  number  of  scale  rows,  the  shorter  chin  shields,  and  an  additional  labial  plate 


ONE-STRIPED  GARTER  SNAKE,  Eutania  elegans  ;  phase  infernalis 

The  olive  body  and  single,  deep  orange  stripe  are  sufficient  characters  to  assist  in  immediate  identification 
Restricted  to  the  Pacific  Region 


THE  REPTILE  BOOK 


PLATE  LXX 


GRAY  GARTER  SNAKE,  Euternia  elegans  va  grans 
One  of  the  most  common  serpents  of  the  Western  Plains  Region  and  the  Nortnwest.     The  ground  colour  is  gray  or  greenish 


MARCY'S  GARTER  SNAKE,  Eutania  elegans  marciana 
Of  the  various  striped  snakes  this  is  the  most  attractively  marked.     The  checker-board  pattern  is  usually  cream  colour  and  jet  black 


The  Striped  Snakes — Garter  Snakes 

THE  WASHINGTON  GARTER  SNAKE 
Eutania  elegans,  variety  biscutata,  (Cope) 
Some  specimens  of  the  E.  elegans  group — Western  Garter 
Snake — from  Washington  and  Oregon,  that  appeal  strongly  in 
pattern  and  colours  to  the  variety  vagrans,  have  been  given  a 
distinct  varietal  name  owing  to  the  existence  of  two  or  three 
plates  in  front  of  the  eye  (preoculars)  in  place  of  the  single  plate, 
found  with  other  forms.  Upon  this  character,  has  been 
founded  the  variety  biscutata  of  Cope.  The  character  is  not  a  con- 
stant one.  Occasional  specimens  have  but  a  single  plate  on  one 
side  of  the  head  and  two  plates  on  the  other.  Some  have  three 
on  each  side.  The  rounded  character  of  the  body  spots  and 
the  blackish  abdomen,  associate  this  form  with  vagrans,  with 
which  its  dimensions  tally. 

MARCY'S  GARTER  SNAKE 
Eutcenia  elegans,  variety  marciana,  (Baird  &  Girard) 

Of  the  different  varieties  of  the  Western  Garter  Snake 
this  form  is  the  most  strikingly  marked.  It  attains  a  considerably 
larger  size  than  the  typical  form  and  is  proportionately  stouter. 

Colouration. — Straw  colour  above,  with  large,  square,  jet- 
black  spots  arranged  in  tessellated  fashion;  there  is  a  narrow, 
pale  yellow  stripe  on  the  back  and  an  indistinct  yellowish  stripe 
on  the  side.  The  abdomen  is  pure  white  and  immaculate 

The  upper  part  of  the  head  is  olive.  On  each  temple  is 
a  bright  yellow  crescent,  and  behind  this  a  blackish  collar.  The 
upper  lip  plates  are  yellow,  those  beneath  the  eye  marked  with 
broad,  black  bars. 

Dimensions. — Following  are  the  measurements  of  an  adult, 
female  specimen,  taken  near  Pecos  City,  Texas: 

Total  Length 28^  inches. 

Length  of  Tail 6J 

Greatest  Diameter f       " 

Width  of  Head f 

Length  of  Head ifV     " 

Distribution. — Common  from  central  Texas  to  western 
Arizona.  Occurs  as  far  north  as  southern  Colorado. 

Habits. — As  a  captive,  this  snake  is  very  hardy,  feeding 
voraciously  upon  frogs,  toads,  fishes  and  that  great  delicacy 

229 


The  Striped  Snakes — Oarter  Snakes 

of  most  garter  snakes — the  earthworm.  A  brood  of  fourteen 
of  these  serpents  born  in  captivity,  was  successfully  reared. 
These  specimens  lived  for  more  than  eight  years  and  attained 
a  considerably  larger  size  than  the  parent,  which  survived  them 
all  and  remained  vigorous  for  twelve  years,  in  a  plain  box  with  a 
glass  front,  but  two  feet  long  and  a  foot  wide. 

Of  the  many  species  and  varieties  of  the  striped  snakes, 
the  writer  has  always  felt  a  particular  liking  for  this  handsome 
form.  The  bold,  "checker-board"  pattern  of  the  body,  the 
yellow  crescents  on  each  side  of  the  head,  and  the  fiery  red  tongue 
with  its  black  tips,  are  characters  that  render  the  reptile  striking 
and  attractive. 

The  variety  couchii:  Like  the  form  or  variety  biscutata, 
in  its  close  relationship  to  the  variety  vagrans,  Couch's  Garter 
Snake  is  very  closely  related  to  marciana,  from  which  it  differs  in 
the  absence  of  the  square,  black  spots  between  the  stripes.  The 
ground  colour  is  pale,  or  dark  brown,  or  olive.  The  stripes 
resemble  those  of  marciana,  while  the  abdomen,  with  different 
individuals,  varies  from  yellow  to  black.  The  relationship  to 
marciana  is  seen  in  the  markings  of  the  head.  The  upper  lip 
plates  near  the  eye  have  wide,  dark  borders,  while  upon  the 
temple  will  be  seen  the  pale  crescent  of  the  allied  form,  though 
this  is  less  pronounced.  In  dimensions,  Couch's  Garter  Snake 
is  rather  smaller  than  marciana.  It  occurs  in  Arizona  and 
California. 

THE  BROWN  GARTER  SNAKE 

Eutcenia  eques,  (Reuss.) 

This  species  is  characterised  by  its  wide  bead,  which  presents 
a  swollen  appearance  behind  the  eyes.  Also,  by  the  very  nar- 
row central  stripe,  which  for  its  greater  length,  is  but  the  width 
of  a  single  scale.  The  scales  of  the  body  are  in  19  rows.  The 
species  is  most  nearly  allied  to  the  common  garter  snake,  E. 
sirtalis. 

Colouration. — The  usual  colour  is  reddish  brown,  with  a 
distinct  but  very  narrow  stripe  of  cream  yellow  on  the  back, 
and  a  stripe  of  similar  colour  on  the  sides,  covering  portions  of 
the  second  and  third  rows  of  scales.  The  central  stripe  begins 
in  pointed  fashion  behind  the  head,  whence  it  suddenly  widens  on 
the  neck,  covering  three  rows  of  scales;  behind  this  widened 

230 


The  Striped  Snakes — Garter  Snakes 

area  it  abruptly  contracts  to  the  width  of  but  a  single  row  of 
scales,  thence  extends  along  the  body. 

On  the  forward  portion  of  the  body  there  are  large,  dark 
blotches  between  the  stripes,  which  character  gives  way  on  the 
latter  portion  to  small  spots — these  bordering  the  stripes.  Be- 
neath the  stripe  on  the  sides  is  a  narrow  area  of  pale  brown, 
with  a  row  of  small  black  spots  in  contact  with  the  stripe. 
Along  the  lower  edges  of  the  first  row  of  scales  is  another  line  of 
spots.  The  abdomen  is  immaculate  yellow,  or  greenish-white. 

Immediately  behind  the  head  are  two  very  large,  dark  blotches. 
They  are  technically  termed  the  nuchal  spots  and  their  presence 
constitutes  an  important  distinguishing  feature.  The  upper 
lip  plates  are  yellow — those  beneath  the  eye  heavily  bordered 
with  black. 

Dimensions. — Total  Length 24^  inches. 

Length  of  Tail 6J 

Diameter  of  Body £       " 

Width  of  Head* f 

Length  of  Head i 

Distribution. — Western  Texas,  New  Mexico  and  Arizona; 
northern  Mexico. 

THE  COMMON  GARTER   SNAKE 

Eutcenia  sirtalis,  (Linn.) 

Although  the  colours  and  pattern  of  this  species  exhibits 
a  great  amount  of  variation  which  must  be  classified  under  the 
head  of  several  sub-species  or  varieties,  the  latter  are  not  so 
strikingly  different  from  the  typical  form  as  is  the  case  with 
varieties  of  the  Western  garter  snake,  E.  elegans.  As  has  been 
mentioned  in  the  description  of  the  latter  species,  there  is  a 
confusing  similarity  between  some  of  its  forms  and  the  present 
species.  One  of  the  principle  differences  to  be  observed,  is  the 
number  of  rows  of  scales  on  the  body.  With  the  Western  snake 
the  scales  of  the  greater  number  of  specimens  are  in  21  rows. 
The  Common  Garter  Snake  usually  possesses  19  rows  of  scales. 
There  is  also  a  difference  in  the  structure  of  the  chin  shields — 
figured  among  the  illustrations. 

*  Note  the  width  of  the  head,  which  is  $  of  an  inch  greater  than  the 
diameter  of  the  thickest  part  of  the  body. 

231 


The  Striped  Snakes — Garter  Snakes 

The  distinct  varieties  of  the  Common  Garter  Snake  may 
be  summed  up  in  the  following  key: 

General. — 19  rows  of  scales — counted  in  an  oblique  row 
around  the  body  (one  variety  with  17  rows).  Body 
rather  stout  and  with  three  stripes  (except  in  one 
variety  with  which  the  stripes  are  lacking) — the  side  stripe 
on  the  second  and  third  rows  of  scales. 

General  Habitat. — The  most  extensive  of  any 
species  of  this  genus — comprising  southern 
Canada,  the  entire  United  States  and  Mexico. 

I.  Three  pale  stripes  on  a  darker  ground.     Scales  in  19  rows. 
Three  yellowish  or  greenish  stripes ;  ground-colour  brown, 

green,  olive  or  black.     Usually  two   rows  of  black 
spots  between  the  stripes.      No  red  on  sides. 

COMMON  GARTER  SNAKE,  E.  sirtalis,  typical  form, 
Distribution. — Southern    Canada    and    the    United 

States,  east  of  the  plains. 

Three  yellowish  or  greenish  stripes;  ground-colour  brown, 
green  or  black.     Upper  row  of  spots  between  stripes 
fused  into  a  band ;  lower  row  narrowly  separated. 
Skin  on  the  side,  bright,  brick  red. 

RED-BARRED  GARTER  SNAKE,  E.  sirtalis  parietalis. 
Distribution. — The   plains    to   Texas;  westward   to 
California  and  Washington.    Occasionally,  though 
very  rarely,  found  in  the  Eastern  States. 
Three  narrow  broken  greenish  stripes   on   a  jet  black 
ground;  abdomen  dark  green  or  slaty. 

PICKERING'S  GARTER  SNAKE,  E.  sirtalis  pickeringii. 
Distribution. — Western    Montana,     Idaho,    Oregon 
and  Washington. 

II.  Three  pale  stripes  on  a  darker  ground.  Scales  in  17  rows. 
Colours  and  pattern  like  the  typical  form.     Differs  in 

lesser  number  of  scale  rows,  by  the  small,  narrow  head 
and  generally  smaller  size  of  the  adult. 
NARROW-HEADED  GARTER  SNAKE,  E.  sirtalis  leptocephala. 
Distribution. — Pacific  region — California   to  British 
Columbia.  ^ 

III.  No  stripes.     Distinct  rows  of  spots.     Scales  in  19  rows. 
Green,  olive  or  brown,  with  rows  of  black  spots,  ar- 
ranged in  tessellated  fashion. 

SPOTTED  GARTER  SNAKE,  E.  sirtalis  ordinatus. 
Distribution. — States  east  of  the  Mississippi. 

The  Typical  Form. — The  Common  Garter  Snake,  of  the 
Eastern  States,  is,  in  itself,  extremely  variable  in  its  pattern  and 
colours.  Mature  specimens  are  quite  stout.  Young  individuals 

232 


The  Striped  Snakes — Garter  Snakes 

are  rather  slender.    A  very  large  specimen  will  measure  about 
a  yard  in  length. 

Colouration. — The  ground-colour  may  be  brown,  olive,  or 
black.  On  lighter  specimens  the  rows  of  spots  between  the 
stripes  are  well  defined.  The  central  stripe  usually  covers  the 
middle  row  of  scales  and  half  a  row  on  each  side.  This  stripe 
may  be  yellow,  green  or  whitish,  and  in  the  case  of  the  majority 
of  specimens  is  more  vividly  defined  than  the  stripe  on  the  sides 
as  it  is  bordered  on  each  side  with  the  dark  ground-colour,  while 
the  lower  stripe  is  bordered  only  above  by  this  dark  hue  and 
beneath  comes  in  contact  with  a  pale,  brownish  tinge.  The 
latter  covers  the  first  row  of  scales  and  edges  of  the  abdominal 
plates,  and  offers  a  less  contrasty  border  than  the  ground-colour. 
On  some  specimens  the  stripes  of  the  sides  fuse  into  this  pale  band, 
and  are  thus  very  obscure.  Such  specimens  show  but  little  trace 
of  the  central  stripe.* 

As  is  the  case  with  most  of  the  species  of  this  genus,  the 
Common  Garter  Snake  shows  white,  line-like  spots  on  the  skin 
between  the  scales,  when  the  body  is  distended.  Although  the 
usual  rows  of  square  black  spots  cannot  be  discerned  on  very 
dark  (black)  specimens,  the  borders  of  such  spots  are  always 
indicated  by  the  sprinkling  of  the  white  dots  or  lines  on  the  skin, 
a  condition  very  apparent  on  a  specimen  with  body  flattened 
from  anger,  or  much  distended  with  food. 

The  abdomen  of  the  typical  form  is  greenish-white  or  yel- 
low, with  two  rows  of  small,  black  blotches  on  the  edges  of  the 
plates.  The  blotches  are  situated  on  the  front  edge  of  each 
plate  and  are  slightly  covered  by  the  overlapping  portion  of  the 
preceding  plate.  The  upper  lip  plates  (superior  labials)  are 
coloured  like  the  abdomen  and  in  contrast  to  the  remaining 
portion  of  the  head,  which  assumes  the  hue  of  the  body. 

With  a  form  so  variable  in  colour  and  pattern,  specimens 
may  frequently  be  found  that  seem  to  fit  nowhere  and  thus 
greatly  confuse  the  student.  To  meet  such  emergencies,  the 
writer  has  prepared  the  following  concise  descriptions,  illustrat- 
ing phases  of  variation  that  have  come  under  his  notice,  and 
possibly  furnishing  helpful  suggestions  for  the  determination 
of  odd  specimens. 

*  Upon  such  specimens  has  been  founded  the  varietal  name  pallidula 
(Allen). 

233 


The  Striped  Snakes — Garter  Snakes 

Stripes  distinct. 

Velvety  black.  A  white  stripe  on  back.  Westchester 
Stripes  on  sides,  straw  colour.  Abdomen  rich  County, 

yellow.*  New  York. 

Velvety  black.  A  bright  green  Swamp  near  Brooklyn, 
stripe  on  back.  Stripes  on  sides,  straw  New  York, 

colour.     Abdomen  pale  green. 

Rich  brown.  A  white  stripe  on  back.  Sullivan  County, 
Dull  yellow  stripes  on  sides.  Black  spots  New  York, 

between  the  stripes. 

Brilliant  brick  red,  with  white  stripes.  Marion  County, 
Small  black  spots  between  the  stripes. f  Florida. 

Olive,  with  narrow  yellow  stripes.  The  Pike  County, 
central  stripe  broken  at  regular  intervals  by  Pennsylvania, 
black  spots. 

Black,  with  broad  stripes  on  back  and        Western  Indiana, 
sides,  those  on  the  sides  broken  at  regular- 
intervals  by  broad  bars  of  black.  J 

No  stripes  on  sides. 

Black  with  a  dull  yellow  stripe  on  back.  Adirondack  Mts., 

A  broad,  dark  brown  band  on  side  extending  New  York, 
from  the  edges  of  the  abdominal  plates  to 
the  third  row  of  scales  (inclusive). 

Same  as  the  preceding  with  the  excep-  Adirondack   Mts., 

tion  of  band  on  side  which  is  pale  yellow.  New  York. 

All  the  stripes  absent.\\ 

Black  above,  with  a  broad  band  of  dull        Green  County, 

brown  on  the  sides.  New  York. 

Green  above,  with  paler  brown  band         Sullivan  County, 

on  the  sides.§  New  York. 

Also  Indiana  and 
Illinois. 

Dimensions. — The  measurements  given  represent  an  adult 
of  average  size: 

*  This  phase  was  called  obscura,  by  Prof.  E.  D.  Cope,  owing  to  the 
absence  of  spots  between  the  stripes. 

f  This  remarkable  specimen  undoubtedly  represented  a  phase  of 
albanism.  Its  tongue  was  red  at  the  base,  with  white,  forked  tips. 

J  Has  been  named  E.  sirtalis  semifasciata,  Cope,  but  is  not  constant. 
Females  of  this  pattern  give  birth  to  young  of  the  ordinary  type  among 
others  that  are  marked  like  the  parent. 

||  These  forms  approach  the  variety  ordinatus. 
§  Called  Eut&nia  virtalis  graminea,  by  Prof.  Cope. 

234 


The  Striped  Snakes — Garter  Snakes 

Total  Length 31  inches. 

Length  of  Tail 5 

Greatest  Diameter £     " 

WidthofHead f    " 

Length  of  Head ij 

Distribution. — The  typical  form  of  the  Common  Garter 
Snake  is  abundant  from  southern  Canada  to  Florida  (inclusive) 
and  westward  to  the  Mississippi.  It  extends  yet  farther  west- 
ward— to  the  Great  Plains — but  in  this  extreme  western  portion 
of  its  range  is  not  abundant. 

Habits  of  the  Garter  Snake 

Occurring  in  nearly  every  part  of  North  America,  Mexico 
and  Central  America  in  which  serpent  life  exists,  the  Garter 
Snake  is  probably  the  most  generally  distributed  and  abundant 
of  all  the  harmless  snakes,  in  the  Western  as  well  as  the  Eastern 
hemispheres.  This  hardy  reptile,  ranging  well  northward  into 
Canada,  is  the  last  of  the  snakes  to  hibernate  in  the  fall  and  the 
first  to  appear  in  the  spring.  It  is  not  unusual  to  find  these 
reptiles  basking  in  the  sun  of  early  March,  though  the  woods 
yet  contain  large  patches  of  unmelted  snow.  Issuing  from  their 
hibernating  places  during  the  warmest  part  of  the  day,  they  seek 
shelter  as  soon  as  the  sun's  rays  show  signs  of  weakening.  The 
favourite  situations  in  which  to  pass  the  cold  months,  are  in  soft 
soil  on  a  slope  that  faces  the  south.  Here  the  reptiles  burrow 
down  a  yard  or  more.  Rocky  situations  are  often  selected  and 
among  the  clefts  and  fissures,  one  opening  into  another,  the 
snakes  are  enabled  to  retire  to  a  considerable  depth  from  the 
surface. 

It  is  in  the  fall  that  these  snakes  congregate  in  large  num- 
bers, on  ground  that  is  suitable  for  the  winter's  sleep.  Here 
they  sun  themselves  during  the  middle  of  the  day,  retiring  into 
clefts  and  burrows  during  the  chilly  autumn  nights.  As  the 
nights  become  colder,  their  basking  periods  during  the  day  are 
shortened  and  finally,  after  the  first  severe  frost,  they  remain 
below  the  ground  for  the  winter.  Instinct  seemingly  attracts  them 
to  these  places  of  hibernation,  for  such  spots  are  usually  poor 
feeding  grounds  and  have  been  devoid  of  snakes  during  the  sum- 
mer months.  In  spring,  the  breeding  time,  the  reptiles  remain 
in  numbers  until  the  weather  has  become  well  settled  and  the 

235 


The  Striped  Snakes— Garter  Snakes 

danger  of  needing  good  shelter  from  the  cold  spells,  has  passed. 
Then  they  scatter — into  the  ravines,  the  thickets,  along  streams 
and  brooks,  until  the  scene  that  has  abounded  with  sinuous,  crawl- 
ing life,  is  deserted.  Such  localities  are  the  well-known  "snake 
dens"  or  "snake  nests"  so  often  pointed  out  to  the  summer 
tourist  who  invariably  remarks  upon  the  absence  of  the  creatures 
that  have  rendered  the  place  notoriously  "dangerous." 

So  persistently  abundant  is  this  species  in  the  eastern 
United  States  that  it  is  represented,  and  in  fair  numbers,  even  with- 
in the  limits  of  many  of  the  larger  cities,  in  parks  of  fair  area.  It 
is  quite  common  in  several  portions  of  Central  Park,  New  York 
City,  and  in  Fairmount  Park,  Philadelphia.  The  species  cannot 
be  termed  a  reptile  of  economic  importance  to  the  farmer,  as  it 
never  feeds  upon  the  smaller  mammals,  nor  any  warm-blooded 
creature,  although  its  liking  for  earthworms  should  not  place 
it  on  unfriendly  terms  with  the  agriculturist.  Adult  specimens 
feed  largely  upon  frogs  and  toads,  generally  swallowing  them 
head  first. 

In  captivity  the  species  is  very  hardy,  and  can  be  reared 
from  the  young  with  little  difficulty.  When  freshly  captured, 
like  all  members  of  the  genus  Eutcenia,  it  gives  ofT  a  strong  and 
offensive  odour  if  handled.  After  a  few  days  in  captivity  it  evinces 
a  good-natured  attitude  and  discards  these  disagreeable  actions. 
Tame  specimens  will  glide  quickly  to  the  door  of  their  cage  when 
it  is  opened,  and  take  their  food  readily  from  one's  fingers. 

Like  all  of  the  striped  snakes,  the  Garter  Snake  is  a  viviparous 
species.  It  produces  large  broods  of  living  young — which  may 
number  as  high  as  fifty.  Usually  born  in  August,  the  young 
snakes  at  once  shift  for  themselves,  feeding  almost  entirely  upon 
earthworms  until  hibernating  time.  With  the  moist  ground 
of  the  spring,  earthworms  are  abundant,  and  the  young  reptiles 
grow  rapidly.  They  soon  begin  feeding  upon  young  toads  and 
frogs.  With  this  diversity  of  diet  the  growth  is  further  hastened. 
It  might  be  explained,  however,  that  through  life,  although  the 
Garter  Snake  feeds  largely  upon  batrachians,  it  remains  voraciously 
fond  of  earthworms.  Young  specimens  that  are  upon  good  feed- 
ing grounds  are  about  mature  when  a  year  old,  and  breed  during 
the  following  spring. 

Following  are  several  records  of  the  birth  of  these  snakes, 
showing  the  variability  of  the  number  produced. 

236 


THE  REPTILE  BOOK 


PLATE  LXXI 


BROWN  GARTER  SNAKE,  Euttenia  eques 
The  very  broad  head,  black  patches  on  the  temples  and  narrow,  whitish  central  stripe  are  peculiar  to  this  species 


PHASES  OF  THE  COMMON  GARTER  SNAKE,  Eutania  sirialis 

A  number  of  varieties  have  been  provided  with  names,  but  few  of  these  can  stand,  as  intergrading  forms  are  common.     Several 

of  the  alleged  varieties  are  shown  in  the  illustration 


THE  REPTILE  BOOK 


PLATE  LXXII 


RED-BARRED  GARTER  SNAKE,  Euttenia  sirtalis  parietalis 
The  pale  bars  on  the  sides  are  brick  red.     Found  in  the  Central  States 


PICKERING'S  GARTER  SNAKE,  Eutatnia  sirtalis  pickerivgii  '» 

This  is  the  blackest  of  the  varieties  of  E.  sirtalis.     The  central  stripe  is  broken  into  a  series  of  dots.     Occurs  in  the  Pacific  Region 


SPOTTED  GARTER  SNAKE,  Eutenia  sirtalis  nrdinata 
On  this  Eastern  variety  the  stripes  are  entirely  absent 


The  Striped  Snakes — Garter  Snakes 


Sej 

nth. 
1  2th. 
2nd. 
23nd. 
3ist. 
?t.    3rd. 
5th. 

27. 

fc 

28. 
1  1. 
8. 
1  1. 

Aug.    9th.  Brood  of  31.        Female  from  Sullivan  Co.,  N.  Y. 

Marion  Co.,  Fla. 
Rockland  Co.,  N.  Y. 
Sullivan  Co.,  N.  Y. 
Westchester  Co.,  N.  Y. 
Bronx  Park,  N.  Y. 

Sullivan  Co.,  N.  Y. 

In  one  brood  of  thirty-four  specimens,  three  were  albinos, 
being  perfectly  white,  with  pink  eyes,  and  another,  of  normal 
colouration,  possessed  two  perfectly  formed  heads  and  necks  on 
one  body.  The  latter  specimen  died  within  a  few  hours.  The 
albinos  survived  to  grow  to  some  size.  They  appeared  translu- 
cent when  held  to  the  light. 

THE  SPOTTED  GARTER  SNAKE 
Euicenia  sirtalis,  variety  ordinata,  (Linn.) 

Size  and  form  like  the  typical  snake. 

Colouration. — Green,  olive  or  brown,  with  rows  of  square 
black  spots,  arranged  in  tessellated  fashion.  There  are  no  stripes. 
With  occasional  very  dark  specimens,  the  spots  are  very  obscure. 
There  is  usually  a  dull  brown  band,  covering  the  first  three  rows 
of  scales.  The  majority  of  specimens  are  distinctly  greenish. 

The  writer  has  noted  that  many  females  of  this  variety 
give  birth  to  litters  in  which  are  spotted  individuals  like  the 
parent  and  others  with  three  distinct  stripes.  Owing  to  these 
conditions  the  variety  cannot  be  regarded  as  very  distinct  or 
constant. 

Distribution. — Southeastern  Canada  and  the  United  States 
generally,  east  of  the  Mississippi  River.  The  greater  number  of 
specimens  come  from  the  New  England  States.  This  snake  is  not 
so  abundant  as  the  typical  form,  although  it  covers  much  the 
same  area  of  distribution. 

THE  RED-BARRED  GARTER  SNAKE 

Eutcenia  sirtalis,  variety  parietalis,  (Say) 

Colouration. — This  variety  is  distinct,  owing  to  the  fusing 

together  of  the  black  spots  on  each  side  of  the  central  stripe, 

and  the  fusing  of  the  lower  series  of  spots  into  the  solid  black 

area  above,  thus  restricting  the  ground-colour   to  narrow  bars 

237 


The  Striped  Snakes — Garter  Snakes 

between  the  latter  series  of  spots;  these  bars  are  usually  bright 
brick  red.*  The  area  covered  by  the  spots  is  not  black  with  all 
specimens  of  this  form.  Some  show  a  rich  brown  tinge — others 
a  dull  olive.  The  central  stripe  is  distinct,  and  may  be  yellow, 
greenish,  or  red.  The  side  stripe  on  many  specimens  comes  in 
contact  with  the  red  bars  and  imparts  a  wavy,  chain-like  out- 
line, especially  on  the  forward  portion  of  the  body.  The  top 
of  the  head  is  pale  olive,  or  reddish-yellow. 

Beneath,  this  form  may  be  dull  yellow,  green  or  olive,  with 
the  chin  much  paler. 

Dimensions. — Total  Length 25^  inches. 

Length  of  Tail 6^      " 

Greatest  Diameter 

WidthofHead &     " 

Length  of  Head i  J      " 

Distribution. — Occurs  commonly  throughout  the  plains 
region,  from  Montana  to  Texas  and  westward  to  California  and 
Washington.  It  has  also  been  taken  in  the  Eastern  States,  but 
in  the  latter  is  very  rare. 

PICKERING'S  GARTER  SNAKE 
Euicenia  sirtalis,  variety  pickeringii,  (B.  &  G.) 

Pickering's  Garter  Snake  represents  a  phase  of  variation 
from  the  ancestral  form  in  the  direction  of  the  variety  parietalis, 
but  carried  to  an  extreme  degree.  The  black,  represented  by 
square,  tessellated  markings  on  most  of  the  forms,  has  suffused 
the  entire  upper  surface,  obliterating  all  traces  of  a  ground- 
colour and  restricting  the  stripe  on  the  back  to  a  very  narrow, 
broken  streak  of  greenish  or  yellow;  the  stripes  of  the  sides  are 
wider  and  of  the  same  colour  as  the  central  stripe.  Beneath 
them  is  a  jet-black  area,  which  fuses  into  the  slate  colour  or 
dark  olive  of  the  abdomen.  The  chin  is  whitish. 

The  black  of  the  upper  surface  is  usually  intense — al- 
though some  specimens  are  very  dark  brown — and  has  a 
soft,  velvety  effect  upon  individuals  that  have  freshly  shed  the 
epidermis. 

*  A  colour  that  quickly  fades  to  yellowish- white  on  alcoholic  specimens. 

238 


The  Striped  Snakes — Garter  Snakes 

Dimensions. — Total  Length 29^-  inches. 

Length  of  TTail 7J 

Greatest  Diameter £       " 

WidthofHead -& 

Length  of  Head i^    " 

Distribution. — Western  Montana,  Idaho,  Oregon  and  Wash- 
ington. 

THE  NARROW-HEADED  GARTER  SNAKE 
Eulania  sirtalis,  variety  leptocephala,  (B.  &  G.) 

In  pattern  and  colours  this  variety  appeals  strongly  to  the 
typical  form.  Its  structural  characters  are  fairly  distinctive 
and  may  be  summarised  as  follows:  The  frequent  possession  of  17 
oblique  rows  of  scales  in  place  of  the  usual  19  rows,  of  forms 
of  this  species;  the  small,  narrow  head,  but  little  distinct  from 
the  neck;  the  smaller  size  of  the  reptile  as  compared  with  others 
of  the  sirtalis  group. 

Colouration. — Brown  or  olive,  with  three  distinct,  yellow 
stripes  of  much  the  same  width  and  appearance  as  the  typical 
form.  Between  the  stripes  are  two  rows  of  spots,  differing  in 
their  character  from  the  pattern  of  other  forms,  in  not  being  in 
contact  with  each  other.  The  abdomen  is  dark  olive  or  blackish. 

Dimensions. — The  measurements  of  a  mature  female  specimen 
are  given : 

Total  Length i6£  inches. 

Length  of  Tail 3! 

Greatest  Diameter f      " 

Width  of  Head &     " 

Length  of  Head f      " 

Distribution. — The  Pacific  region,  from  central  California 
northward  to  British  Columbia. 

THE  WESTERN  SPOTTED  GARTER  SNAKE 

Eutcenia  multimaculata,  (Cope) 

This  aquatic  species  occurs  in  the  United  States,  only  in 
southern  New  Mexico.  It  is  common  in  the  state  of  Chihuahua, 
Mexico.  The  body  scales  are  in  21  oblique  rows.  The  species 
attains  a  length  of  about  twenty-nine  inches. 

Colouration. — Grayish  or  brown,  without  stripes,  but  marked 
with  six  or  seven  series  of  brown  or  reddish  spots  which  are  paler 

239 


The  Striped  Snakes— Garter  Snakes 

in  their  centres.  The  abdomen  is  cream  colour,  with  black 
blotches  on  the  edges  of  the  plates. 

Distribution. — Southern  New  Mexico;  northern  Mexico. 

Habits. — This  snake  frequents  the  borders  of  streams  and 
when  alarmed  plunges  into  the  water,  whence  it  dives  to  the 
bottom  to  conceal  itself  among  aquatic  vegetation. 

THE  RED-SPOTTED  GARTER  SNAKE 
Euiania  rufopunctata,  (Cope) 

But  one  specimen  of  this  species  seems  to  be  known.  It  is 
closely  related  to  the  preceding  reptile.  The  general  colour 
is  light  brown.  There  are  no  stripes.  The  forward  portion  of 
the  body  is  marked  with  six  rows  of  small,  reddish  spots,  which, 
on  the  central  portion,  become  obscure;  they  are  not  distin- 
guishable on  the  latter  half. 

The  length  of  the  type  specimen  is  loj  inches.  It  was 
captured  in  southern  Arizona. 

To  the  Student:  In  the  work  of  identifying  species  and 
varieties  of  this  interesting  genus,  the  student  may  come  in 
contact  with  many  knotty  problems — possibly  become  enthusias- 
tic over  the  diversities  of  colour  and  pattern  that  are  always  to 
be  found  in  a  large  series  of  specimens.  It  is  then  that  the  writer 
begs  the  student  to  pause  and  meditate.  Do  not  theorise,  and 
afterward  inflict  scientific  annals  with  descriptions  of  "new 
species"  and  sub-species,  but  devote  your  energies  along  lines 
that  will  simplify  classification.  Certain  it  is,  that  there  are 
among  reptiles  many  alleged  species  which  are  doubtful.  Is 
it  not  of  greater  value  to  science,  to  discover  the  points  by  which 
these  may  be  stricken  from  our  lists  than  to  create  others  of  equal 
uncertainty?  Unfortunately,  among  scientists,  name-making 
and  theory  has  been  the  rule  rather  than  practical  work  to  afford 
lasting  results.  And  to  carry  out  the  latter  the  student  must 
regard  a  subject  from  a  broad  standpoint.  Valuable  time  should 
not  be  wasted  in  hair-splitting  discussions.  Instead,  however, 
large  series  should  be  examined  with  a  view  of  establishing 
relationship  in  the  comparison  of  one  form  with  another.  North 
American  herpetology  stands  in  need  of  such  researches. 


240 


THE  REPTILE  BOOK 


PLATE  LXXIII 


i,  7     Tropidonotus  leberis.    Ohio. 

4,  6     Tropidonotws  grahami.     Missouri. 


HEADS  OF  THE  WATER  SNAKES 

2,  5     Tropidonotus  fasciatus.    Florida. 

3,  Q     Tropidonotus  laxispilotus.    Georgia. 

12,  13    Seminatrix  pygaa.    Florida. 


>    Tropidonotus  rhombifer.    Illinois. 
Tropidonotus  validus.     Mexico. 


THE  REPTILE  BOOK 


PLATE  LXXIV 


QUEEN  SNAKE,   Tropidonotus  leberis.     Young 

Young  examples  of  this  Eastern  snake  have  vivid  yellow  bands  on  the  sides  which  cause  them 
to  look  like  the  striped  snakes 


QUEEN  SNAKE,  Tropidonotus  leberis.    Adult 
With  maturity  the  upper  surface  is  dull,  uniform  brown.     The  bands  on  the  sides  are  quite  obscure 


GRAHAM'S  WATER  SNAKE,  Tropidonotus  ernhnmi 

One  of  the  longitudinally  banded  water  snakes.     The  wide,  pair  band  on  the  side  is  characteristic 
Found  in  the  Mississippi  valley 


CHAPTER  XXVII:    THE  WATER  SNAKES 
GENUS  TROPIDONOTUS 

A  Large  Genus  of  Semi-aquatic  Serpents  that  occur  in  both  the  Eastern 
and  Western  Hemispheres — Descriptions  •<?/  the  North  American 
Species — Their  Habits 

SEVERAL  dozen  species  comprise  this  genus.  They  are 
common  reptiles  in  the  United  States,  Europe  and  Asia  and 
well  merit  the  popular  title — Water  Snakes — owing  to  their  semi- 
aquatic  habits.  Without  exception  these  serpents  frequent 
the  borders  of  rivers  and  streams,  ponds  or  lakes,  or  live  in 
swampy  places.  When  disturbed  they  generally  take  to  the 
water  for  protection.  Being  agile  swimmers,  they  are  enabled 
to  dive  to  the  bottom  for  protection  and  remain  there  for  some 
time,  or  to  swim  into  thick,  weedy  places  and  there  conceal  them- 
selves. The  habits  of  the  familiar  Banded  Water  Snakes  of  the 
Eastern  States,  stand  as  typical  illustrations  of  the  life  these 
creatures  lead.  They  cannot  be  classed  as  economically  valuable 
to  man,  as  their  food  consists  entirely  of  cold-blooded  creatures — 
frogs,  toads,  fishes  and  the  like.  Although  generally  pugnacious 
and  provided  with  teeth  capable  of  inflicting  slight  lacerations, 
all  of  the  species  are  entirely  devoid  of  venom. 

The  snakes  of  this  genus  are  viviparous — bringing  forth 
living  young  and  in  large  numbers. 

Ten  species,  and  several  distinct  varieties  inhabit  North 
America,  eight  of  which  occur  east  of  the  Mississippi  River. 
These  snakes  may  generally  be  recognised  by  their  stout  bodies 
and  coarsely  keeled  scales. 

A  key  to  facilitate  the  identification  of  North  American 
species,  follows: 

I.  Body  striped  lengthwise: 

Dark  brown;  three  black  stripes  on    back;  a  yellow  stripe  on 
each  side;    abdomen  yellow,  with  three  black  stripes. 

QUEEN  SNAKE,  T.  leberis. 
Habitat. — Eastern  United  States. 
241 


The  Water  Snakes 

Brown  above ;  a  pale  stripe  on  back  and  a  broad  yellow  band  on 
side,  bordered  with  black  stripes;  abdomen  yellow. 

GRAHAM'S  WATER  SNAKE,  T.  grahami. 
Habitat. — The  Mississippi  Valley. 

Olive ;  two  black  stripes  on  back ;  abdomen  yellow,  with  two  rows 
of  black  spots.  STRIPED  WATER  SNAKE,  T.  rigidus. 

Habitat. — Pennsylvania  to  the  Gulf. 

Light  brown;  four  dark  stripes  on  the  back;  abdomen  yellow 
in  the  middle,  olive  on  the  sides . 

CLARK'S  WATER  SNAKE,  T.  clarki. 
Habitat. — Louisiana  and  Texas. 

Grayish-brown,  usually  with  lines  of  small  black  spots  on  the 
sides ;  abdomen  uniform  yellow. 

WESTERN    WATER    SNAKE,   T.    Validus. 

Habitat. — Extreme  southwest ;  Mexico. 

II.  Body  transversely  banded: 

a.  Tail  somewhat  flattened. 

Olive;   small  cross-bands  on  the  back;  smaller   blotches  on 
sides.  FLAT-TAILED  WATER  SNAKE,  T.  compressicaudus. 

Habitat. — Florida. 

b.  Tail  round. 

Wide,  dark  cross-bands  for  the  greater  length  of  body,  with 
red  or  brown  interspaces;  abdomen  white, 
with  red  and  black  spots. 

BANDED    WATER    SNAKE,   T.  fastiatllS. 

Habitat.—  Virg.  to  Fla. ;  westward  to  Texas. 

Wide,  dark  cross-bands  on  forward  portion  of  body,  breaking 
into  blotches  on  latter  portion;  abdomen  white,  with  red  and 
black  spots. 

COMMON  WATER  SNAKE,  T.   fasciatus  variety  sipedon. 
Habitat. — Canada  to  North  Carolina ;  westward  to  Kansas. 
Wide,  dark  blotches  on  the  back,  separated  by  lighter  inter-spaces  of 
about  one  scale  in  width;  similar,  alternating  blotches  on  the 
sides,  with  wide  interspaces;  abdomen  yellowish. 
GREEN-BANDED  WATER  SNAKE,  T.  fasciatus  variety  transversus. 
Habitat. — Louisiana,  Texas  and  Arkansas. 

Rusty  brown  above;  usually  no  bands,  or  these  indistinct. 
A  bdomen  immaculate  vermilion. 

RED-BELLIED  WATER  SNAKE,  T.  fasciatus  variety  erythrogaster. 
Habitat. — Southeastern  United  States. 

Brown,  with  narrow  black  cross-bands,  forming  a  diamond- 
shaped  pattern  on  back;  abdomen  yellowish. 

DIAMOND-BACKED  WATER  SNAKE,  T.  rhombifer. 
Habitat. — Mississippi  Valley  to  Mexico. 

Dark  green;  narrow  black  cross-bands  on  back,  and  sunilar 
bands,  in  alternation  on  sides;  abdomen  yellow. 

GREEN    WATER    SNAKE,  T.  Cydopium. 

Habitat. — Mississippi  Valley  and  G  ulf  States. 

(Most  abundant  in  Florida). 

Rusty  brown ;  large  square  blotches  of  dark  brown  or  black  on  the 
back,  and  similar,  smaller  blotches  on  sides  Abdomen  yel- 
lowish, blotched  with  brown. 

BROWN    WATER    SNAKE,   T.  taxispilotUS. 

Habitat. — Maryland  to  the  Gulf  States. 

Detailed  descriptions  of  these  species  are  given  herewith; 

242 


The  Water  Snakes 

THE    QUEEN    SNAKE 
Tropidonotus  leberis,  (Linn.) 

Moderate  in  size,  this  species  is  considerably  more  slender 
than  the  majority  of  the  water  snakes.  Its  scales  are  roughly 
keeled. 

Colouration.  —  Dark  brown  above,  with  three  narrow, 
black  stripes  on  the  back  (which  are  often  indistinct)  and  a 
bright  yellow  stripe  on  the  lower  portion  of  the  side,  covering 
one-half  of  the  first  and  second  rows  of  scales. 

The  abdomen  is  yellow,  with  two  dark  brown  stripes  in 
the  centre.  If  the  narrow  area  of  ground-colour  beneath  the 
yellow  stripe  on  the  side  may  be  termed  a  band,  this  species 
might  be  said  to  have  four  dark  bands  beneath. 

The  upper  lip  plates  (labials)  and  the  nose  plate  (rostral) 
are  yellow. 

Dimensions. — The  measurements  of  an  adult  specimen  are 
given : 

Total  Length 2  feet. 

Length  of  Tail 4J  inches. 

Greatest  Diameter f       " 

Width  of  Head &     " 

Length  of  Head f       " 

Distribution. — The  United  States  generally,  east  of  the 
Mississippi  River,  but  not  common  in  the  extreme  Northern  or 
Southern  States.  It  is  abundant  in  Ohio  and  the  eastern  por- 
tion of  Illinois. 

Habits. — Having  no  opportunity  of  observing  many  of 
these  snakes  in  captivity,  the  writer  is  indebted  to  Mr.  C.  S. 
Brimley,  of  Raleigh,  North  Carolina,  for  the  following  notes 
upon  the  habits: 

"So  far  as  I  know,  Matrix  leberis  is  aquatic  and  hangs  on 
the  bushes  above  the  small  brooks.  Curiously  enough  it  is  only 
found  on  tributaries  of  Crabtree  Creek,  on  the  north  side  of 
Raleigh  and  not  on  the  tributaries  of  Walnut  Creek  south  of 
town.  I  am  not  sure  whether  I  have  ever  had  one  to  take  food 
in  captivity,  but  rather  think  I  have.  If  one  did,  the  food  was 
live  frogs  or  toads.  I  don't  think  it  ever  stays  about  sluggish 
streams  or  about  ponds.  The  valley  of  Walnut,  I  might  add, 
is  much  more  marshy  and  the  stream  itself  more  sluggish  than 

243 


The  Water  Snakes 

Crabtree,  which  condition,  I  believe,  explains  why  leberis  shuns 
that  stream  and  prefers  Crabtree." 

GRAHAM'S  WATER  SNAKE 
Tropidonotus  grabami,  (Baird  &  Girard) 

Another  of  the  striped  Water  Snakes.  In  size  and  con- 
formation similar  to  the  preceding  species. 

Colouration. — The  back  is  dark  brown,  usually  with  an  in- 
distinct, pale  band  down  the  centre,  which  is  narrowly  bordered 
with  black.  On  each  side  of  the  body  is  a  broad  band  of  yellow, 
this  in  strong  contrast  to  the  dark  colour  above  it;  the  yellow 
band  covers  the  first  three  rows  of  scales;  it  is  bordered  at  its 
lower  portion  by  a  black  stripe,  the  same  extending  along  the 
edges  of  the  abdominal  plates;  for  a  short  distance  behind  the 
head,  the  yellow  band  is  wider  than  elsewhere  on  the  body. 

The  yellow  colour  extends  forward  upon  the  head,  and  up- 
ward to  the  centre  of  the  eye.  The  abdomen  is  yellowish  and 
a  black  stripe  is  generally  present  on  its  central  portion. 

Dimensions. — The  species  attains  a  maximum  length  of 
about  a  yard.  The  measurements  of  rather  a  small  adult,  from 
St.  Louis,  Mo.,  follow: 

Total  Length 25  inches. 

Length  of  Tail 4! 

Diameter  of  Body f 

Width  of  Head -ft-    " 

Length  of  Head f 

From  these  measurements  it  will  be  observed  that  the  head 
is  small,  as  compared  with  the  diameter  of  the  body. 

Distribution. — The  valley  of  the  Mississippi  and  the  Missouri 
Rivers,  from  the  Great  Lakes  to  Texas  (inclusive). 

Habits. — Graham's  Water  Snake  is  an  agile  and  timid  species, 
frequenting  the  borders  of  streams  and  lakes.  Several  spec- 
imens taken  near  St.  Louis,  were  hiding  under  decaying  logs, 
near  the  edge 'of  a  pond;  secreted  nearby,  under  chips  of  bark, 
were  a  number  of  very  young  specimens. 

THE  STRIPED  WATER  SNAKE 

Tropidonotus  rigidus,  (Say) 

Very  small  as  compared  with  other  species.  Stout  in  form, 
with  larger  head  than  our  other  striped  water  snakes. 

Colouration. — Dark   brown   or  olive   brown — paler  on   the 

244 


THE  REPTILE  BOOK 


PLATE  LXXV 


BANDED  WATER  SNAKE,  TrnMonotus  fasciatus 
The  common  water  snake  of  the  southeastern  United  States.     The  typical  form  is  characterised  by  the  unbroken  transverse  bands 


RED-BELLIED  WATER  SNAKE,  Trotidonotus  fasciatus  erythrogaster 
The  present  variety  of  T.  jasciatus  is  uniform,  rusty  brown  above  and  brilliant,  immaculate  redbeneath.     Numerous  in  the  Southeast 


THE  REPTILE  BOOK 


PLATE  LXXVI 


COMMON  WATER  SNAKE,  Tropidonotus  fasciatus  sipedon 
Characterised  by  the  bands  on  the  posterior  part  of  the  body  breaking  into  alternating  blotches.     The  common  water  snake  of  the  Northeast 


BLOTCHED  WATER  SNAKE,  Tropidonotus  fasciattis  transversus 
Told  from  the  typical  form  by  the  alternating  blotches  along  the  greater  length  of  the  body 


The  Water  Snakes 

sides — with  two  narrow  black  stripes  extending  along  the  back. 
The  abdomen  is  yellow,  with  two  rows  of  brown  or  black  dots. 
With  occasional  specimens  the  spots  on  the  abdomen  follow  one 
another  so  closely  as  to  produce  the  effect  of  two  bands,  with 
serrated  edges.  The  under  surface  of  the  tail  is  immaculate. 

The  top  of  the  head  is  dark;  the  upper  lip  plates  (labials) 
are  yellow. 

Dimensions. — Attains  a  length  of  about  twenty  inches.  The 
width  of  the  head  fully  equals  the  diameter  of  the  thickest  part 
of  the  body. 

Distribution. — The  distribution  of  this  rather  scarce  little 
serpent  is  not  well  known,  but  general  observations  point  to 
the  range  being  limited  to  the  southeastern  portion  of  the  United 
States,  from  Pennsylvania  to  Florida  inclusive,  the  Gulf  States 
and  adjacent  area  to  the  north. 

Habits. — Practically  nothing  appears  to  be  known  about 
the  habits  of  the  species,  although  it  appears  to  resemble  the 
Queen  Snake  in  actions,  and  to  frequent  small  brooks  as  does 
that  species. 

CLARK'S    WATER    SNAKE 
Tropidonotus  darkii,  (Baird  &  Girard) 

Moderate  in  size  and  resembling  the  closely  allied  species  in 
outlines. 

Colouration. — Dark,  olive  brown  above,  with  three  paler 
bands.  The  central  band  is  about  three  scales  wide;  those  on 
the  sides  covering  the  third,  fourth,  and  a  portion  of  the  fifth 
rows  of  scales.  Beneath,  yellowish  in  the  centre  and  olive  on 
the  side  of  the  abdomen;  separating  these  shades  is  a  tinge  of 
reddish  brown. 

Dimensions. — Attains  a  length  of  about  a  yard. 

Distribution. — Western  Louisiana;  Texas. 

Habits. — Little  known,  but  thought  to  be  like  the  other 
striped  water  snakes. 

THE  WESTERN  WATER  SNAKE 

Tropidonotus  validus,  (Kennicott) 

Rather  small  in  size.  Grayish  or  olive-brown  above,  uni- 
form, or  with  series  of  small  black  spots  on  the  sides  (on  the 
edges  of  the  scales)  arranged  in  lines.  Beneath,  uniform  yellow. 

245 


The  Water  Snaues 

Distribution. — Mexico,  Lower  California,  Arizona  and  Utah. 
Habits. — The  writer  has  never  observed  living  specimens  of 
this  snake,  nor  is  he  able  to  find  records  of  its  habits. 

THE  FLAT-TAILED  WATER  SNAKE 
Tropidonotus  compressicaudus  (Kennicott) 

Moderate  in  size  and  thickness  of  body.  A  sbort  distance 
from  its  base,  and  for  tbe  space  of  about  a  third  of  its  length,  the 
tail  is  distinctly  flattened.  A  transverse  section  of  the  tail 
would  appear  as  a  decided  oval.  This  portion  of  the  tail  sug- 
gests that  member  as  having  been  slightly  crushed  on  the  sides. 
From  the  flattened  portion,  the  tail  very  gradually  tapers  to  a 
slender  point. 

Colouration. — The  pattern  is  indistinct  in  mature  indivi- 
duals— and  frequently  so  with  the  young. 

The  ground-colour  is  greenish-gray  or  ashy-gray,  with  ob- 
scure and  irregular  darker  bands.  On  some  specimens  the  mark- 
ings form  clouded  blotches  on  the  back,  and  smaller,  alternating 
blotches  on  the  sides.  The  abdomen  is  dark  gray  or  brown, 
with  a  central  series  of  yellow  spots ;  the  chin  is  darker  than  the 
abdomen,  with  larger  yellow  spots. 

The  head  is  dark,  while  the  borders  of  the  lip  plates  (both 
upper  and  lower  labials)  are  marked  with  yellow. 

Dimensions. — Total  Length 22  J   inches. 

Length  of  Tail 5  J 

Diameter  of  Body £ 

Width  of  Head ^ 

Length  of  Head f 

Distribution. — Confined  to  Florida.  One  variety  is  recognised, 
on  which  the  banded  appearance  is  more  pronounced,  and 
assumes  the  form  of  black  stripes  on  the  neck.  It  is  tech- 
nically known  as  T.  compressicaudus  ustus. 

Habits. — Beyond  the  fact  that  this  species  is  semi-aquatic 
and  very  timid — immediately  taking  to  the  water  when  frightened, 
the  habits  are  generally  unknown. 

THE  BANDED  WATER  SNAKE;  "MOCCASIN" 

Tropidonotus  fasciatus,  (Linn.) 

Size  large;  body  very  stout.  The  head  is  rather  flat,  and 
distinct  from  the  neck.  The  scales  of  the  body  are  heavily 
keeled,  imparting  a  dull,  lustreless  surface. 

246 


The  Water  Snakes 

Colouration. — Owing  to  considerable  variation  among  spec- 
imens of  this  species,  the  pattern  is  rather  difficult  to  describe. 
It  consists  of  dark  bands  of  moderate  width,  crossing  a  pale, 
brownish  ground-colour,  which  tends  to  evince  a  bright  shade 
of  red  upon  the  sides.  The  outlines  of  the  bands  on  many  spec- 
imens, however,  are  ill-defined  upon  the  back,  and  with  such 
there  is  the  appearance  of  a  dark  brown  or  blackish  snake,  with 
oblong  or  triangular  patches  of  bright  red  or  yellowish-brown 
upon  the  sides — which  light  colour  represents  the  ground-colour 
between  the  bands.  Extending  across  the  back  are  a  series  of 
narrow,  yellowish  bands — these  represent  the  interspaces  of 
ground-colour  between  the  darker  markings  composing  the  pat- 
tern. The  abdomen  is  yellowish-white,  with  numerous  bright 
red  blotches  and  clouded  spots  of  black  and  gray. 

It  is  with  young  or  half-grown  specimens  that  the  pattern 
may  be  distinctly  seen.  It  will,  on  such,  be  observed  to  con- 
sist of  wavy  bands,  crossing  a  pale  ground-colour,  for  nearly 
the  entire  length  of  the  body.  These  bands  are  considerably 
wider  on  the  back  than  upon  the  sides,  thus  leaving  but  a  nar- 
row and  generally  wavy  line  of  the  paler  hue  between  them,  while 
on  the  sides,  where  they  narrow,  the  interspaces  are  nearly  as 
wide  as  the  bands  themselves.  This  arrangement  explains  the 
peculiar  marking  of  the  adult  snakes,  on  which  the  novice  might 
be  led  to  mistake  the  general  dark  hue  produced  by  the  obscure 
bands  for  the  ground  colour,  and  the  bright  reddish  interspaces 
on  the  sides,  for  the  markings.  Very  old  specimens  are  almost 
uniform  black  or  brown  above,  but  always  show  the  brilliant 
red  blotches  upon  the  abdomen. 

Variations* — Few  serpents  evince  more  variability  in  col- 
ouration than  the  present  species.  The  width  of  the  bands 
vary  considerably,  as  does  also  the  ground-colour.  In  a  large 
series  before  the  writer  are  the  following  phases: 

a.  Black,  with  brick-red  bars  upon  the  sides.  South  Carolina. 

b.  yellow    "       "       "      " 

c.  Black,  with  distinct,  narrow  bars  of  brown 
crossing  the  back.    But  faint  markings  on 
side. 

d.  Black,  with  reddish   bars  on   sides,  and 
yellowish,  narrow  bands  across  the  back. 

*  Several  distinct  and  constant  varieties  occur,  descriptions  of  which 
follow  that  of  the  typical  form. 

247 


The  Water  Snakes 

e.  Yellowish-brown,  with  chestnut-brown 
bands  crossing  the  body — all  bands  dis- 
tinct. Florida. 

/.  Pale  green,  with  jet-black  cross  bands — 
representing  the  most  showy  specimen  of 
the  species  the  writer  has  ever  examined. 

On  young  specimens  the  pattern  fades  rapidly  during  their 
second  summer. 

Head  markings. — The  head  markings  of  adults  are  fairly 
constant.  The  top  of  the  head  is  dark;  there  is  a  yellow  band 
running  from  behind  the  eye  to  the  angle  of  the  jaw.  The  lip 
plates  (labials')  are  yellow,  with  dark  borders.  Rather  in  contrast 
to  the  dull  surface  of  the  body,  caused  by  the  coarsely  keeled 
scales,  are  the  smooth  head-shields,  which  are  highly  pol- 
ished. 

As  this  snake  is  frequently  confused  with  the  poisonous 
Moccasin,  with  which  it  associates  in  the  Southern  swamps,  a 
few  words  concerning  the  distinction  between  these  reptiles, 
may  not  be  amiss.  The  harmless  water  snake  is  more  slender 
than  the  poisonous  reptile,  and  may  be  told  at  once  by  the  red 
spots  on  the  abdomen;  the  undersurface  of  the  poisonous  snake 
is  straw-colour,  with  black  or  gray  spots  on  younger  individuals, 
but  indications  of  red  spots  are  never  present.  Another  impor- 
tant distinction  appeals  to  the  arrangement  of  the  plates  under 
the  tail.  With  the  harmless  reptile  these  plates  are  arranged 
in  two  rows,  from  the  base  of  the  tail  to  the  tip.  With  the  ven- 
omous reptile,  the  plates  are  in  a  single  row,  for  nearly  two-thirds 
the  length  of  the  tail,  while  the  remaining  third  to  the  tip  shows 
a  double  row.  (Illustration;  Tails).  Moreover  the  poisonous 
snake  possesses  a  large  pit  between  the  eye  and  the  nostril  which 
is  not  present  with  any  of  the  innocuous  water  snakes.  It  is 
useful  for  the  student  to  have  a  thorough  knowledge  of  ^hese 
structural  differences,  for  by  them,  the  dangerous  "cotton- 
mouth"  may  at  once  be  told  from  the  several  species  of  harm- 
less aquatic  snakes  of  the  South  that  appeal  to  it  in  colouration 
and  form.  (Illustration;  Heads). 

Dimensions. — The  Banded  Water  Snake  is  one  of  the  larger 
species  of  the  genus,  often  attaining  a  length  of  four  feet.  The 
figures  given,  of  an  adult  specimen  from  Hampton  County,  South 
Carolina,  represent  an  average  size: 

248 


The  Water  Snakes 

Total  Length 3  feet,  2  inches. 

Length  of  Tail 8      " 

Diameter  of  Body i  i 

WidthofHead i 

Length  of  Head if 

Distribution. — The  range  of  this,  the  typical  form,  is  from 
Virginia  to  the  Gulf  of  Mexico,  including  the  state  of  Florida 
where  it  is  very  common,  thence  extending  westward  to  Texas. 

Habits. — In  habits  the  various  species  of  banded  water  snakes 
are  very  similar.  They  never  leave  the  immediate  vinicity  of 
water  and  are  characteristic  from  their  habit  of  resting  on  the 
branches  of  bushes  and  low  trees  that  overhang  the  water,  into 
which  they  quickly  plunge  when  alarmed.  If  disturbed  while 
upon  the  bank  of  a  stream  and  some  feet  from  the  water,  they 
almost  invariably  take  to  the  latter  for  shelter,  even  though 
surrounding  shrubbery  or  rocks  offer  a  safe  retreat;  diving  to 
the  bottom  they  remain  for  some  time,  to  finally  reappear  at 
some  distance  from  the  former  spot. 

There  are  few  reptiles  more  shy  than  these  semi-aquatic 
serpents.  If  escape  be  cut  off,  they  assume  a  threatening  at- 
titude by  flattening  the  head  and  body.  At  such  times  they 
bite  viciously  and  give  off  a  very  offensive  odour,  produced  by  a 
secretion  contained  in  glands  near  the  base  of  the  tail  and  volun- 
tarily emitted  by  the  snake  when  annoyed.  Captive  specimens  soon 
become  tame  and  permit  themselves  to  be  handled  with  the  ut- 
most good  nature.  They  are  among  the  most  hardy  of  reptiles, 
subsisting  for  years  upon  a  diet  of  frogs,  toads,  and  fishes. 

Capable  of  displaying  great  agility  in  the  water,  these  ser- 
pents in  a  wild  state  feed  largely  upon  fishes,  although  frogs  and 
toads  form  part  of  their  diet.  Warm-blooded  creatures,  such 
as  the  smaller  rodents  and  birds,  so  preyed  upon  many  of  the 
larger  snakes,  are  never  eaten  by  the  reptiles  of  this  genus,  which 
confine  their  food  entirely  to  the  cold-blooded  denizens  of  the 
streams  and  swamps.  Though  persistently  frequenting  the 
vicinity  of  water  in  a  wild  state,  they  will  live  and  thrive  in  cap- 
tivity, with  no  water,  except  in  small  vessels  from  which  to  drink. 
Under  such  conditions  the  writer  has  reared  numerous  broods 
of  them. 

The  Banded  Water  Snake  is  one  of  the  most  abundant 
snakes  of  the  Southern  States.  It  gives  birth  to  large  numbers 

249 


The  Water  Snakes 

of  living  young — broods  of  forty  or  even  fifty  not  being  of  rare 
occurrence.  The  female  pays  no  attention  to  her  offspring, 
which  desert  her  immediately  after  birth,  and  within  a  few  days 
begin  feeding  upon  small  fishes.  The  very  young  snakes  are 
often  found  hiding  under  chips,  or  flat  stones  along  the  edges 
of  streams  and  ponds. 

THE  RED-BELLIED  WATER  SNAKE;  COPPER-BELLIED 

"MOCCASIN" 

Tropidonotus  jasciatus,  variety  erythrogaster,  (Shaw) 

Of  the  three  varieties  of  the  banded  water  snake  that  merit 
distinct,  varietal  names,  the  present  reptile  is  the  most  closely 
related  to  the  typical  form,  although  in  the  colouration  of  mature 
individuals  the  most  unlike  it.  This  relationship  is  demon- 
strated by  the  young;  they  are  vividly  banded  above,  precisely 
like  the  young  typical  reptile;  beneath,  however,  the  abdomen  is 
immaculate  and  lacks  all  traces  of  the  red  spots  that  are  so  numerously 
present  with  the  latter  serpent.  The  pattern  of  the  young  Red- 
bellied  Water  Snake  rapidly  fades  from  the  time  of  birth  and 
gives  way  to  the  colouration  described  herewith.  In  size  and 
form  the  Red-bellied  Water  Snake,  when  adult,  in  no  way  differs 
from  the  preceding  reptile. 

Colouration. — Dull,  rusty-brown  above.  Rich  and  immacu- 
late vermilion  or  brick-red  beneath. 

Except  in  half-grown  specimens,  there  are  seldom  traces 
of  bands  on  the  back  or  the  sides.  With  such  specimens  the  red 
of  the  abdomen  is  paler  than  with  adults,  and  assumes  a  yellowish 
tinge  on  the  chin  and  throat. 

A  large  female  specimen  captured  in  an  inlet  of  the  Savannah 
River  was  of  a  rich,  coral  red  above,  with  a  faint  suggestion  of 
the  bands  on  the  sides;  the  colour  beneath  was  brilliant  brick- 
red.  This  handsome  snake  gave  birth  to  a  brood  of  over  thirty 
young,  which  were  reddish-yellow,  with  jet  black,  wavy  cross- 
bands. 

Strikingly  distinct  in  the  colouration  of  the  adults,  and 
fairly  constant  in  the  display  of  its  peculiar  hues,  this  serpent 
is  well  worthy  its  varietal  name,  and  is  easily  recognised. 

Distribution. — Along  the  Atlantic  coast  the  Red-bellied 
Water  Snake  does  not  extend  farther  north  than  Virginia.  In 

250 


The  Water  Snakes 

i 

the  Central  States  it  extends  northward  into  Michigan,  specimens 
from  which  locality  are  very  dark  brown  or  blackish  above, 
while  the  plates  of  the  abdomen  show  clouded  black  edges,  which 
narrow  toward  the  centre.  Westward,  this  snake  ranges  to  Col- 
orado, while  it  also  occurs  in  northern  Mexico.  The  most 
strikingly  brilliant  examples  and  the  greatest  numbers  occur 
in  South  Carolina,  Georgia  and  northern  Florida. 

Habits. — A  large  specimen  taken  by  the  writer  in  the  "low- 
grounds"  of  Hampton  County,  South  Carolina,  disgorged,  dur- 
ing the  excitement  attending  its  capture,  eleven  "suckers," 
three  sun  fish  and  a  craw  fish,  or  "fresh-water  lobster."  The 
crustacean  was  of  moderate  size  and  armed  as  it  was  with  a 
formidable  pair  of  mandibles,  must  have  formed  a  very  awkward 
object  to  swallow. 

This  snake  displays  much  the  same  habits  as  the  common 
water  snakes  with  which  it  frequently  associates  in  the  swamps 
and  waterways. 

THE  COMMON  WATER  SNAKE,  BANDED  WATER  SNAKE; 

"MOCCASIN" 

Tropidonotus  fasciatus,  variety  sipedon,  (Linn.) 
This  is  the  well-known,  dingy  brown  water  snake,  ener- 
getically stoned  by  the  country  boy,  as  it  basks  on  the  branch 
of  a  tree,  overhanging  the  water.  Its  range  embraces  a  greater 
area  than  does  that  of  the  typical  form — covering  the  Eastern 
States  generally,  from  southern  Canada  to  North  Carolina,  and 
extending  westward  to  Kansas. 

Colouration. — Pale  brownish  or  reddish,  crossed  by  wavy, 
dark  brown  bands  on  the  forward  portion  of  the  body.  These 
bands  are  much  broader  on  the  back,  causing  the  back  to  appear 
dull  brown,  and  crossed  by  narrow  lines  of  pale  brown  or  yellow. 
Narrowing  on  the  sides,  the  bands  are  separated  by  broad  inter- 
spaces of  the  ground-colour,  which  resemble  upright  and  trian- 
gular (usually  reddish)  bars.  On  the  latter  part  of  the  body  the 
bands  break  into  blotches,  of  which  there  is  a  series  down  the  back 
and  another  series  on  the  sides,  in  alternation  with  those  above. 
It  is  this  breaking  up  of  the  bands  on  the  latter  portion  of  the 
body  that  gives  the  reptile  its  right  to  a  varietal  name.  Al- 
though the  strongly  banded  appearance  of  the  sides  imparts 


The  Water  Snakes 

a  resemblance  to  the  Southern  and  typical  form,  this  snake  al- 
ways bears  a  more  decidedly  brownish  aspect.  The  abdomen 
is  brilliantly  spotted  with  red,  and  with  black  as  is  the  former 
reptile. 

Variations. — Very  old  specimens  lose  the  pattern  and  be- 
come an  almost  uniform  brown.  The  young  snakes  are  strik- 
ingly marked.  They  are  pale  gray,  with  jet  black  cross-bands; 
the  abdomen  is  grayish,  and  the  rich,  brick-red  spots  of  the  adult 
are  represented  by  spots  of  black.  During  the  second  year 
they  rapidly  take  on  the  brown  of  the  parent. 

Dimensions. — Female  specimens  attain  a  large  size  and 
may  slightly  exceed  four  feet,  but  such  proportions  are  above 
the  average.  The  measurements  quoted  represent  the  size  of 
the  adult  specimen  as  most  commonly  seen: 

Total  Length 3  feet,  6    inches. 

Length  of  Tail 8 

Diameter  of  Body if       " 

Width  of  Head i 

Length  of  Head if 

Distribution. — From  Maine  and  southern  Canada  to  North 
Carolina  (inclusive),  and  westward  to  Kansas  and  Wisconsin. 
South  of  North  Carolina  its  place  is  taken  by  the  typical  form 
and  the  Red-bellied  Water  Snake,  already  described. 

Habits. — Owing  to  its  wide  distribution  in  the  North,  this 
reptile  has  been  more  generally  observed  than  the  parent  form 
which,  for  a  great  part  of  its  habitat,  frequents  the  practically 
inaccessible  swamps  of  the  Southern  States.  The  habits  of  the 
Northern  form  are,  however,  very  similar  to  those  of  its  Southern 
relative.  Throughout  the  New  England  and  the  Middle  States 
it  is  an  abundant  and  well-known  reptile,  frequenting  the  borders 
of  ponds  and  streams  and  making  for  the  water  upon  the  slight- 
est alarm.  It  is  often  called  "water  moccasin"  and  thought  to 
be  very  poisonous.  In  fact  its  sinister  aspect  when  cornered  is 
anything  but  reassuring,  for  it  will  flatten  the  head  and  body  to 
a  remarkable  degree,  when  it  strikes  viciously  at  every  moving 
object  within  reach.  The  heavy  body  and  sombre  colour  of 
the  upper  surface  inspire  the  uninitiated  with  fear  and  hatred 
for  this  perfectly  harmless  snake. 

When  provided  with  an  avenue  of  escape  at  the  approach 
of  man,  the  water  snake  is  of  lightning  speed  in  taking  advantage 

252 


THE  REPTILE  BOOK 


PLATE  LXXVII 


FLAT  TAILED  WATER  SNAKE,  Tropidonotus  comprcssicaudiis 
Unique  among  the  North  American  water  snakes  in  having  a  vertically  compressed  tail.     A  small  species,  apparently  restricted  to  Florida 


DIAMOND-BACK  WATER  SNAKE,  Tropidonotus  rhombifer 
A  large  species  of  the  Mississippi  Valley.     It  infests  many  of  the  smaller  islands  in  the  Mississippi  River 


THE  REPTILE  BOOK 


PLATE  LXXVIII 


GREEN  WATER  SNAKE,  Tropidonotus  cyclopium 

A  ring  of  scales  about  the  eye  distinguishes  this  species.     It  is  most  abundant  in  Florida  and  grows  to  a  considerable  size 

for  a  water  snake — four  feet 


BROWN  WATER  SNAKE,  Tropidonotus  taxispilotus 
Largest  of  the  North  American  water  snakes,  reaching  a  length  of  five  feet.    Abundant  in  the  Southern  States.    An  extremely  vicious  serpent 


The  Water  Snakes 

of  the  opening.  My  friends  of  many  rambles  and  snake  hunts, 
Messrs.  Adam  Dove  and  Morris  Pearsall,  relate  amusing  inci- 
dents attending  the  capture  of  these  reptiles  in  the  lakes  of  Sul- 
livan County,  New  York.  On  one  occasion,  while  fishing  for 
pike,  they  approached  a  great  mass  of  derelict  timber  and  on 
it  several  large  water  snakes  were  sunning.  Although  the  snakes 
were  some  twenty  feet  from  where  the  bow  of  their  boat  lightly 
touched  a  fallen  tree  trunk,  the  vibration  was  enough  to  send 
the  reptiles  gliding  into  the  water,  where  they  dived  at  once. 
Taking  three  short  pieces  of  fish  line,  Mr.  Dove  tied  each  to  branches 
near  the  water  line,  and  on  the  end  of  each  cord  securely  fastened 
a  small  perch,  which  was  dropped  into  the  water,  where  it  hung 
in  plain  view.  The  boat  was  then  rowed  some  distance  away 
and  fishing  resumed.  About  half  an  hour  later,  an  examination 
was  made  of  the  traps.  On  each  length  of  string  writhed  a  water 
snake  which  had  swallowed  the  perch  and  fully  six  inches  of 
the  twine.  The  strings  were  cut  away  amid  frenzied  efforts  of 
the  snakes  to  shake  themselves  loose,  when  the  reptiles  were 
dropped  into  a  bag  and  the  twine  cut  close  to  their  mouths. 
This  operation  was  immediately  succeeded  by  the  voracious 
reptiles,  swallowing  the  string  and  fish.  At  no  time  did  the  idea 
of  escape  by  disgorging  the  fish  appear  to  present  itself  to  the 
snakes.  Many  other  specimens  were  captured  in  this  ingenious 
manner. 

It  might  be  explained  incidentally  that  the  power  of  scent 
is  well  developed  with  these  reptiles.  A  cage  containing  a  num- 
ber of  water  snakes  can  be  set  in  a  turmoil  by  simply  rubbing 
a  frog  or  fish  across  the  bottom.  The  hungry  reptiles,  catching 
the  scent  of  the  prey,  dart  wildly  about  in  every  direction 
biting  at  each  other's  bodies  in  their  excited  search  for  the  food. 

The  Common  Water  Snake,  like  all  the  snakes  of  the  genus 
Tropidonotus,  is  viviparous.  The  largest  litter  of  young  snakes 
counted  by  the  writer  amounted  to  forty-four.  Several  records 
of  the  birth  of  young  snakes  are  presented;  the  female  specimens 
involved  had  been  captured  but  a  few  weeks. 
August  i  yth.  Brood  of  22.  Female  from  Jersey  Meadows,N. 


September    oth.  '  28. 

loth.  "  21. 

I3th.  33. 

I4th.  "  25. 

3oth.  "  23. 


Greenwood  Lake,N.J . 
"    N.J. 
Sullivan  Co.,  N.  Y. 

"      "        N.  Y. 
"      "        N.  Y. 


The  Water  Snakes 

THE  BLOTCHED  WATER   SNAKE 
Tropidonotus  fasciatus,  variety  transversus,  (Hallowell) 
Another  variety  of  the  banded  water  snake,   and   rather 
smaller  in  size  than  the  preceding. 

Colouration. — With  this  reptile  the  pattern  of  the  entire  upper 
surface  resembles  that  of  the  latter  portion  of  the  preceding  form. 
There  is  a  series  of  large  blotches  on  the  back,  separated  by  nar- 
row lines  of  ground-colour  about  one  scale  wide;  on  the  sides 
are  alternating  blotches,  separated  by  brownish  or  olive  spaces 
wider  than  the  blotches  themselves.  The  abdomen  is  yellow; 
the  base  of  each  plate  is  clouded  with  brown  or  black. 

Distribution. — Appears  to  be  limited  to  the  western  portion 
of  Louisiana,  Texas  and  Arkansas. 

THE  DIAMOND-BACKED  WATER  SNAKE 
Tropidonotus  rhombifer,  (Hallowell) 

Large  in  size  and  very  stout  in  form,  with  very  distinct 
head,  on  which  the  lip  plates  are  protruding  and  swollen,  pro- 
ducing a  sinister  mien.  The  eyes  are  placed  well  forward,  toward 
the  snout. 

Colouration. — Brown  or  olive,  with  a  narrow  chain  of  black 
markings  down  the  back,  enclosing  diamond-shaped  areas  of 
the  ground-colour.  At  the  junction  of  each  rhomb  the  black 
is  widest.  From  the  lower  angle  of  each  "diamond"  is  a  band 
of  black,  about  two  scales  wide,  extending  down  the  side  of  the 
body. 

The  abdomen  is  yellow,  the  edges  of  the  abdominal  plates 
being  blotched  with  dark  brown,  a  character  more  pronounced 
on  the  latter  portion  of  the  body. 

Young  specimens  are  yellowish-brown,  with  the  chain  of 
markings  on  the  back  and  bands  on  the  side  very  black  and  in 
strong  contrast  to  the  ground-colour. 

Dimensions. — One  of  the  largest  species  of  the  genus,  at- 
taining a  length  of  five  feet.  Following  are  the  dimensions  of 
a  fair-sized  adult: 

Total  Length 4  feet,  i  inch. 

Length  of  Tail 10    inches. 

Diameter  of  Body if 

Width  of  Head if 

Length  of  Head 2  i 

254 


The  Water  Snakes 

Distribution. — Abundant  in  the  lower  Mississippi  River 
valley.  It  occurs  from  southern  Illinois  and  Indiana  into  Texas, 
in  which  latter  state  it  extends  over  considerable  area;  it  also 
occurs  in  Mexico. 

Habits. — Sinister  in  appearance,  this  big  water  snake  does 
not  belie  its  looks.  It  is  usually  of  a  vicious  disposition,  even 
after  being  months  in  captivity,  though  hardy  and  partaking 
voraciously  of  frogs  and  fishes.  The  species  shows  a  peculiar 
fondness  for  climbing,  and  numbers  of  captive  specimens  spent 
the  most  of  their  time  coiled  and  entwined  in  the  branches  of  a 
small  tree  in  their  cage.  Directly  beneath  these  branches  was 
a  tank.  When  living  fish  were  placed  in  the  tank  the  snakes 
at  once  became  alert,  slipping  down  quickly  from  branch  to 
branch,  and  finally  dropping  into  the  tank  from  a  height  of  a 
yard  or  so,  when  they  rapidly  swam  about  with  open  mouths, 
in  the  capture  of  the  fish,  which  consumed  but  a  few  minutes' 
time.  When  the  tank  had  been  cleared  of  fish  the  snakes  again 
ascended  the  tree  to  await  the  assimilation  of  the  meal. 

These  specimens  never  became  tame,  and  would  flatten 
their  bodies  and  strike  repeatedly  at  the  hand  of  their  keeper 
if  in  any  way  interfered  with. 

A  large  specimen  from  Texas  gave  birth  to  sixteen  young. 
These  were  very  large  in  proportion  to  the  size  of  the  mother. 
They  were  fed  upon  minnows  and  grew  rapidly.  Within  a  year 
they  were  but  a  few  inches  shorter  than  their  parent, 

THE  GREEN   WATER   SNAKE 
Tropidonotus  cydopium,  (Dumeril  &  Bibron) 

One  of  the  largest  of  the  water  snakes,  and  very  stout  in 
form,  although  the  tail  is  long  and  tapering.  The  head  is  rather 
long  and  distinct  from  the  neck;  the  upper  lips  exhibit  swollen 
formation,  and  the  eyes  are  placed  rather  high,  besides  well  for- 
ward, toward  the  snout.  Owing  to  these  outlines  and  the  sombre 
colours,  large  specimens  appear  ugly  and  formidable.  This 
reptile  is  closely  allied  to  the  diamond-backed  water  snake.  It 
is  characterised  by  a  ring  of  small  plates  around  the  eye,  separating 
that  organ  from  the  lip  plates  (labials). 

Colouration. — Dark  green  or  olive  brown,  with  numerous, 
narrow  black  bands  crossing  the  back;  these  bands  are  about 
the  width  of  one  scale,  irregular  and  wavy  and  about  two  scales 

255 


The  Water  Snakes 

apart.  In  alternation  with  the  bands  of  the  back,  is  a  series 
of  black  blotches  on  the  sides,  which  are  more  pronounced  on 
the  latter  two-thirds  of  the  body. 

With  the  exception  of  the  lips,  which  are  yellow,  the  head  is 
of  the  uniform  colour  of  the  body.  The  abdomen  is  uniform 
yellowish  with  the  exception  of  a  tinge  of  gray  upon  the  edges 
of  the  plates. 

Although  the  scales  are  strongly  keeled,  this  snake  is  more 
shiny  than  other  species.  In  outline  and  pattern  it  appeals  to 
the  diamond-backed  water  snake,  but  may  be  at  once  sepa- 
rated by  the  absence  of  a  tendency  of  the  narrow  bands  on  the 
back,  to  unite  and  form  a  rhomb-like  pattern.  Old  specimens 
are  generally  a  uniform,  dull  olive  above. 

Dimensions. — Frequently  attains  a  length  of  four  feet. 
Measurements  of  a  specimen  from  Lake  Kerr,  Marion  County, 
Florida,  are  given: 

Total  Length 42  f  inches. 

Length  of  Tail io£ 

Diameter  of  Body if 

Width  of  Head i 

Length  of  Head 2 

Distribution. — The  Gulf  States  and  the  Mississippi  Valley 
northward  to  southern  Illinois.  In  Florida  the  species  is  mod- 
erately abundant;  westward  it  occurs  in  lesser  numbers  and  in 
the  Mississippi  Valley  it  is  rather  rare. 

Habits. — In  actions  this  snake  resembles  the  diamond- 
backed  water  snake,  although  it  is  not  so  vicious  in  disposition. 
Feeding  readily  in  captivity,  it  is  very  hardy  and  will  live  for 
years.  At  times  it  will  lie  partially  flattened,  with  head  resting 
upon  the  ground,  causing  that  member  to  appear  very  broad, 
triangular  and  ugly.  While  in  such  a  position  it  is  the  per- 
sonification of  a  poisonous  snake.  This  serpent  is  very  fond 
of  climbing  and  if  provided  with  a  branch  or  small  tree,  will 
spend  much  of  its  time  lying  stretched  upon  it. 

THE   BROWN   WATER  SNAKE,    "WATER   RATTLE"; 

WATER    PILOT* 
Tropidonotus  taxispilotus,  (Holbrook) 

Largest  of  the  North  American  water  snakes  —  attaining 

a  length  of  five  feet — very  stout  of  body,  but  with  long,  tapering 

*  A  name  also  given  to  the  poisonous  Moccasin  or  "Cotton  mouth." 

256 


THE  REPTILE  BOOK 


PLATE  LXXIX 


THE  HOME  OF  THE  BLACKSNAKE 


WHERE  THE  WATER  SNAKES  BASK 


THE  REPTILE  BOOK 


PLATE  LXXX 


KIRTLAND'S  WATER  SNAKE,  Clonophis  kirtlandi 
Appears  to  be  a  degenerate  off-shoot  of  the  water  snakes.     Burrows  in  swampy  places 


STRIPED  SWAMP  SNAKE,   Tropidodonium  lineatum 
Burrows  in  moist  places.     The  markings  are  strikingly  like  those  of  the  striped  snakes — Eitlceniu 


The  Water  Snakes 

tail.    The  scales  are  heavily  keeled,  and  the  upper  surface  is 
dull  and  rusty. 

The  head  is  very  long  and  narrow  beneath  the   plated  por- 
tion which  only  forms  about  a  half  its  length ;  behind  the  plates 
it  widens  abruptly,  causing  it  to  be  very  distinct  from  the  neck. 
The  eyes  are  small  and  bulging,  and  situated  forward,  toward 
the  snout,  as  well  as  rather  high,  which  character^ 
this  serpent  to  resemble  the  species  of  East  Inc^^(J^ 
of  the  genera  Homalopsis  and  Cerberus  .^^.^  -r1,  ^-    '         - 
the  same  characters  are  evinced  bj£  jy^J^^j£cciji<: 
demonstrating  a  close  relatiua^p^ iluoosul 

Colouration. — Rusty  bro^rtj^j^h^-^erieFof  black  or  dark 
brown  blotches  on  th$  jttff^fw^q^are  'in  shape;  in  alternation 
with  them,  on  tii<-  ,J  ^^a^imilar  series  (about  four  scales  wide 

MX  >c  i  ;,.',.  i  he  blotches  of  the  back  and  of  the  sides 
are  no^-jjn  HV-Ha<  1  with  each  other.  The  effect  of  this  pattern  is  a 

x.rvfi.u'y  banded  appearance,  particularly  upon  the  sides.  The 
hi#ikis,i^4-he  uniform  colour  of  the  body,  and  without  markings. 

l^ujeath,    the   colour  is  yellow,   profusely   and    irregularly 
with  dark  brown. 

and   half-grown   specimens   have   a   paler    ground- 
colour  and   black   bands.     They  have   the  habit  of  coiling  in 
nearly  circular  fashion,  and  when  in    this    position    assume    a 
ptriking  similarity  to  small  examples  of  the  banded  rattlesnake 
r  (Crotalus   horridus),    hence   the   appellation   of   "water   rattle," 
which  the  negroes  have  given  the  species. 

Dimensions. — Huge  examples  of  this  snake  were  observed 
in  inlets  of  the  Savannah  River.  Unfortunately,  these  very 
large  specimens  were  extremely  shy  and  rendered  capture  im- 
possible. From  this  vicinity,  snakes  of  moderate  size  were 
taken,  these  averaging  about  four  feet  in  length.  Although  the 
writer  dislikes  to  speculate  upon  the  size  of  specimens  that  have 
escaped  him,  he  would  judge  that  some  of  these  must  have  been 
close  to  six  feet  in  length.  The  measurements  of  an  average- 
sized  female  are  quoted: 

Total  Length 4  feet    2    inches. 

Length  of  Tail 12 

Diameter  of  Body 2 

Width  of  Head  (over  plates) £ 

Width  of  Head  (at  rear) i| 

Length  of  Head.. 2J 

257 


The  Water  Snakes 

Distribution. — From  the  Potomac  River,  southward  through- 
out Florida  and  westward  to  the  Mississippi  Valley  (southern 
portion).  The  species  is  particularly  abundant  in  South  Caro- 
lina, Georgia  and  Florida. 

Habits. — Both  in  appearance  and  disposition,  this  is  one 
most  ugly  of  the  American  snakes.  When  cornered,  it 
lly  coiled,  making  su.ch  rapid  darts  at  every  mov- 
a|^^;  actions  closely  resemble  those  of  a  venomous 
rTjiiiUHmens  are  vicious  and  sullen.  This  is  in 
marked  S5m*f&>sJiI(ita(?h'£  rnajurity  of  the  water  snakes,  which  ex- 
hibit a  gentle  demeanour  aftef  ia  few  weeks  in  captivity. 

In  several   wa^MKfciiiiftlagte  is  characteristic.     When  in 

^^Vll 

the  water  it  has  the  h1rlM>f 'hv^HH£  the  tail  about  the  base 
of  an  aquatic  plant,  while  the!  brttfy  ^relrs  f*>  the  surface,  in  an 
upright  position,  the  head  alone  P'Mhni' JIM' '-W]f>on  the  water. 

As  a  captive,  it  is  rather  delicate,  the  ma'j&tff'&f 'specimens 
feeding  sparingly,  others  not  at  all.  While  inducih£^~et3mens 
of  this  reptile  to  eat  it  is  generally  necessary  tdfWovix?^  a  1>i 
sized  tank,  in  which  they  pass  most  of  their  time.  ?!W%  i 
must  be  introduced  and  after  these  they  swim  rapidly,  beneaftt^He 
surface.  The  chase  after  the  fish  is  with  open  mouth,  and  the 
snakes  display  wonderful  agility  in  capturing  the  darting  prey. 

Like  the  other  water  snakes,  this  species  produces  a  large 
number  of  living  young.     These  are  quite  large  in  proportion 
to  the  size  of  the  parent. 


One  peculiarity  of  all  the  water  snakes  has  been  frequently 
noted  by  the  writer.  They  are  very  local  in  habits  and  many 
individuals  in  a  wild  state  seem  to  remain  for  years  within  a 
very  small  area.  The  writer  remembers  an  instance  of  a  large 
female  specimen  of  the  common  water  snake,  that  ha4  taken 
up  her  abode  in  the  crevices  of  a  high  mill-dam,  near  a  small 
New  England  town.  A  certain  rock,  which  jutted  out  a  foot  or 
more  from  the  dam,  was  her  favourite  basking  place.  Here  she 
would  be  seen  every  fine  morning,  flattened  and  enjoying  the 
rays  of  the  sun.  Frightened  from  the  shelving  stone,  she  would 
dive  into  the  water,  to  finally  make  her  way  back  through  crev- 
ices in  the  wall  and  emerge  on  her  favourite  napping  place. 
For  several  successive  years  in  passing  through  the  district,  the 

258 


The  Water  Snakes 

writer  visited  the  old  and  deserted  mill  to  ascertain  if  the  snake 
was  yet  there.  On  each  occasion,  on  a  sunny  morning,  she  would 
be  seen  as  described. 

In  the  South,  the  water  snakes  have  their  favourite  roosts 
on  large,  derelict  tree  trunks,  where  the  same  individuals  may 
be  seen 'day  after  day.  Many  times  have  we  gazed  helplessly 
at  these  showy  reptiles,  sunning  their  thick  bodies  on  logs  or 
branches,  some  distance  from  the  shore.  For  during  many 
attempts  to  effect  their  capture  from  a  boat,  armed  with  a  long 
pole  and  noose,  it  was  realised  that  the  reptiles'  extreme  shy- 
ness rendered  our  approach  to  within  a  noosing  distance,  quite 
impossible. 

One  big  brown  water  snake  gave  us  a  substantial  scare  one 
day,  which  later  showed  an  interesting  trait  on  the  reptile's 
part.  With  the  guide  we  were'passing  through  a  narrow  clearing 
near  the  Savannah  Rivef.  On  each  side  of  the  clearing,  was 
a  series  of  shallow,  marshy  pools,  over  some  of  which  grew  a 
densely  tangled  brush.  There  was  a  sudden  thrashing  and 
crash  of  the  brush  on  our  left,  causing  us  all  to  start  with  sur- 
prise. The  guide,  an  experienced  woodsman,  declared  that 
nothing  but  a  bear  could  make  so  much  noise,  and  promptly 
sent  two  blind  charges  of  buckshot  into  what  had  been  the 
centre  of  the  disturbance.  As  silence  followed  and  an  extended 
investigation  revealed  nothing,  we  continued  on  our  way. 

On  returning  through  the  opening  in  the  timber  our  atten- 
tion was  naturally  attracted  toward  the  scene  of  the  morning's 
incident.  When  within  a  hundred  feet  of  the  spot  the  situation 
cleared,  for  the  cause  of  the  disturbance  was  very  apparent  in 
the  shape  of  a  huge  specimen  of  the  "water  rattle" — brown 
water  snake,  lying  stretched  upon  the  top  of  the  brush,  which 
sagged  perceptibly  beneath  the  creature's  weight.  As  we  ap- 
proached it  literally  threw  itself  from  the  top  of  the  growth, 
and  in  a  frenzied  effort  to  get  below  and  into  the  water,  thrashed 
its  body  violently  from  side  to  side  and  produced  a  noise  that 
more  resembled  the  progress  of  a  cow  through  the  bushes,  than 
the  escape  of  a  serpent. 

In  passing  by  this  spot  daily,  for  a  week  or  more,  we  ob- 
served this  snake  on  the  bushes  and  each  time  she  escaped  us. 
This  fine  reptile  was  at  last  captured  as  the  result  of  an  inter- 
esting condition  we  discovered  shortly  after. 

259 


The  Water  Snakes 

If  a  man  were  on  foot,  no  matter  how  cautious  might  be 
his  movements,  it  was  practically  impossible  to  approach  the 
older  snakes.  The  young  reptiles  and  those  of  moderate  size 
were  less  wary.  However,  if  a  man  were  mounted  on  a  horse, 
the  big  fellows  could  be  easily  approached.  This  discovery  was 
at  once  put  to  advantage,  and  our  elusive,  scaly  friend  of  the 
clearing  was  soon  on  the  way  North,  in  the  company  of  many 
other  denizens  of  the  lowgrounds  and  savannas. 


260 


THE  REPTILE  BOOK 


PLATE  LXXXI 


BLACK  SWAMP  SNAKE,  Seminatrix  Pygaa 
Apparently  a  degenerate  water  snake.     It  burrows  in  moist  places.     Restricted  to  the  extreme  southeastern  portion  of  the  United  States 


ALLEN'S  SNAKE,  Liodytes  alleni 

The  exact  place  in  classification  is  doubtful.     Occurs  in  Florida  only,  burrowing  in  damp  soil.     Remarkable  in  having 

a  very  small  head.     A  rare  species 


-• 


r 


THE  REPTILE  BOOK 


PLATE  LXXXII 


1,3-7,! 
7  and  8 
i  "  3 


The  Green  Snakes. 
Liopeltis  vernalis. 
Cyclophis  astivus. 


15  16  18 

HEADS  OF  MISCELLANEOUS  SMALL  SERPENTS 

9  and  1 7     Brown  Snake,  Haldea  striatula.  isandi6     Striped  Swamp  Snake,  Tropidoclonium  lineatum. 

10  "    ii     Worm  Snake,  Carphophis  amcenus.        13    "     18     DeKay's  Snake,  Sloreria  dekayi. 

2    "       5     Valeria's  Snake,  Virginia  Valeria.          12    "     14     Storer's  Snake,  Storeria  occipitomaculata. 
4  and  6     Ring-necked  Snake,  Diadophis  punctatus. 


CHAPTER  XXVIII:    SMALL,  MISCELLANEOUS 
KEELED-SCALED  SERPENTS 

THE  GENERA  CLONOPHIS,  TROPIDOCLONIUM,  SEMINATRIX  AND 

LIODYTES 

THE  four  genera  embraced  in  this  chapter  seem  to  be 
most  nearly  related  to  the  natracine  snakes — the  water  snakes 
and  striped  snakes.  As  each  of  the  genera  contains  a  single 
species,  they  are  readily  separated,  thus: 

*Si%e  small. 

JScales  heavily  keeled. 

Ventral  plate  divided.     Head  not  distinct. 

Pattern  in  transverse  blotches. 

Genus  Clonophis — C.  kirtlandi. 
Distribution. — Central  States. 
Ventral  plate  entire.     Head  not  distinct. 
Brown,  with  three  pale  stripes. 

Genus   Tropidoclonium — T.  lineatum. 
Distribution. — Central  States. 
JJBody  scales  smooth;  scales  on  the  tail  keeled. 
Lustrous  black;  a  faint  line  in  the  centre  of  each  scale; 
abdomen  red. 

Genus  Seminatrix — 5.  pygcea. 
Distribution. — Florida. 
**Si?e  moderate. 

Dark  brown;  a  yellowish  band  on  each  side;  abdomen 
yellow. 

Genus  Liodytes — L.  alleni. 
Distribution. — Florida. 

Detailed  descriptions: 

The  Genus  Clonophis:  This  genus  is  closely  related  to  Tropi- 
donotus.  It  contains  a  single  species.  The  scales  are  in  19 
rows;  all  are  strongly  keeled. 

KIRTLAND'S  SNAKE 
Clonophis  kirtlandi,  (Kenn.) 

Size  rather  small.  Body  stout;  head  not  distinct  from 
neck.  Looks  much  like  a  small  Tropidonotus ,  in  general  out- 
lines. 

261 


Small,  Keeled-scaled  Serpents 

Colouration. — Pale  brown,  with  large,  upright,  blackish 
brown  blotches  on  the  sides,  separated  by  narrow  spaces  of  the 
ground-colour;  two  series  of  less  distinct,  rounded  blotches  on 
the  back.  The  blotches  of  the  sides  and  the  back  are  in  alter- 
nation with  one  another. 

Top  of  the  head  black;  lip  plates  yellowish. 

Central  portion  of  the  abdomen,  brick-red;  bordering 
this  bright  hue  on  either  side  is  a  row  of  dark  spots. 

Dimensions. — Grows  to  a  length  of  twenty  inches,  but 
most  specimens  are  of  smaller  proportions.  Following  are  the 
measurements  of  a  half-grown  example,  taken  near  Sandusky, 
Ohio: 

Total  Length 8£  inches. 

Length  of  Tail 2\ 

Greatest  Diameter | 

Width  of  Head ^ 

Length  of  Head f 

Distribution. — Northern  portion  of  the  Mississippi  Valley — 
Ohio,  Indiana,  Illinois,  Wisconsin  and  Michigan;  in  some  areas 
the  species  is  as  abundant  as  the  garter  snakes. 

Habits. — The  habits  appeal  to  those  of  the  water  snakes 
although  this  species  is  not  actually  semi-aquatic.  It  frequents 
damp  woods  and  swamps  and  may  often  be  found  hiding  under 
logs.  If  surprised  when  near  the  edge  of  a  pond  or  stream  it 
takes  to  the  water  without  hesitation  and  dives  to  the  bottom, 
to  hide  in  the  aquatic  vegetation,  like  a  true  water  snake.  The 
food  consists  largely  of  small  frogs  and  toads;  captive  spec- 
imens will  eat  small  fishes.  Like  the  water  snakes,  this  reptile 
produces  its  young  alive. 

The  Genus  Tropidodonium:  Closely  allied  to  the  preceding 
genus  and  separated  from  it  by  the  structure  of  the  ventral 

plate,  which  is  entire. 

% 

STRIPED   SWAMP  SNAKE 

Tropidodonium  lineatum,  (Hallowell) 

Size  rather  small.  Form  moderately  stout;  tail  short. 
Head  small,  pointed,  and  of  the  same  size  as  neck;  eye  small. 
Scales  coarsely  keeled. 

Colouration. — Grayish  brown,  with  a  whitish  or  yellowish 
strioe  on  the  back,  bordered  with  black  dots;  on  each  side, 

262 


Small,  Keeled- scaled  Serpents 

on  the  2d  and  3d  rows  of  scales,  is  a  similar  stripe,  though  more 
obscure. 

Abdomen  white,  or  yellow,  with  two  rows  of  black  spots. 

From  above,  this  serpent  looks  much  like  a  garter  snake 
(Eutienia),  but  may  be  told  by  the  smaller  head  and  the  rows 
of  black  dots  on  the  abdomen.  (See  accompanying  illustration). 

Dimensions. — Total  Length 14  inches .  * 

Length  of  Tail if      " 

Greatest  Diameter f      " 

WidthofHead fV      " 

Length  of  Head * 

Distribution. — The  Central  States,  Ohio  to  northern  Texas. 

Habits. — A  secretive  reptile.  In  captivity  it  prefers  to 
hide  and  is  indifferent  to  food.  About  this  species,  Mr.  Julius 
Hurter,  of  St.  Louis,  Mo.,  remarks:  "Found  along  the  river 
front  'in  an  abandoned  quarry  near  the  Arsenal  grounds,  in  city 
of  St.  Louis.  They  are  found  under  rocks  and  under  sods.  In 
1892  during  the  big  inundations,  I  have  found  hundreds  of 
them  drowned  and  washed  against  the  settling  basins  of  the 
St.  Louis  water-works  at  Bissell's  Point.  They  all  came  from 
a  tract  of  low  ground  above  the  water-works,  about  i£  miles 
long  by  about  600  feet  wide.  This  place  is  covered  with  rank 
grass,  and  in  dry  weather  the  ground  which  is  of  a  boggy  kind  of 
black  earth, cracks  in  all  directions,  thereby  forming  hiding  places." 

The  Genus  Seminatrix:  The  single  species  inhabits  the  ex- 
treme southeastern  corner  of  the  United  States.  Though  closely 
allied  to  the  water  snakes  and  frequenting  damp  places,  it  is  a 
very  secretive,  almost  subterraneous  reptile.  From  the  typical 
water  snakes  it  differs  in  having  smooth  scales  on  the  body; 
the  scales  of  the  tail  are  weakly  keeled.  It  is  probably  a  de- 
generate descendant  of  Tropidonotus,  that  has  adopted  an 
underground  life,  yet  displays  traces  of  the  habits  of  the  ances- 
tralforms  by  living  in  the  vicinity  of  water. 

BLACK  SWAMP  SNAKE;  MUD  SNAKE 

Seminatrix  pygcea,   (Cope) 

Size  rather  small.  Scales  of  the  body  smooth  and  lustrous ;  those 
of  the  tail  faintly  keeled.  Form  rather  stout;  head  not  distinct. 

*  The  largest  specimen  examined  was  taken  near  St.  Louis;  it  was 
17  inches  long. 

263 


Small,  Keeled-scaled  Serpents 

Colouration. — The  peculiar  markings  produce  the  effect 
of  a  snake  with  keeled  scales.  The  upper-surfaces  are  blue- 
black,  each  scale  shining  and  opalescent.  In  the  centre  of  each 
scale,  and  particularly  noticeable  on  the  sides,  is  a  very  narrow 
and  faint  line  of  a  pale  hue;  unless  examined  very  closely,  these 
lines  look  precisely  like  keels.  Mr.  Arthur  Erwin  Brown  re- 
marks: "It  is  possible  that  the  bright  line  on  the  dorsal  scales 
may  indicate  the  former  presence  of  keels,  but  lately  lost." 

The  sides  of  the  neck  are  obscurely  ban  ded  with  dull  yellow — 
the  bands  extending  lengthwise. 

For  the  greater  part  of  its  length,  the  abdomen  is  brick- 
red,  crossed  by  narrow  black  bars,  but  this  characteristic  is  not 
evident  toward  the  tail. 

Dimensions. — The  measurements  are  of  an  adult,  female 
specimen,  taken  near  Lake  Kerr,  Marion  County,  Florida: 

Total  Length i6f  inches. 

Length  of  Tail 2f 

Greatest  Diameter £       " 

Width  of  Head f       " 

Length  of  Head T9e      " 

Distribution. — Found  only  in  Florida. 

Habits. — The  few  captive  specimens  observed  by  the  writer 
refused  such  food  as  young  frogs,  fishes,  earthworms  and  sala- 
manders. They  spent  their  time  in  hiding  under  a  piece  of 
bark  in  their  cage.  The  specimen  from  which  the  measurements 
were  taken  gave  birth  to  eleven  young  on  the  2oth  of  August; 
the  young  were  as  indifferent  to  food  as  the  parent;  their  col- 
ouration was  exactly  like  her.  They  were  fond  of  laying  in  the 
water  of  their  drinking  dish;  their  skins  were  shed  under  water. 

Wild  examples  are  to  be  found  under  logs,  along  the  borders 
of  creeks  and  ponds,  or  in  swamps. 

The  Genus  Liodytes:  Contains  a  single  species,  confirfed  to 
Florida;  it  is  related  to  a  Central  American  and  Mexican  genus 
— Helicops. 

ALLEN'S  SNAKE;   MUD  SNAKE;   SWAMP  SNAKE 

Liodytes  alleni,  (Garman) 

Size  moderate.  Body  stout,  tapering  suddenly  toward  the 
neck;  head  proportionately  very  small  and  not  distinct  from 

264 


Small,  Keeled-scaled  Serpents 

the  neck.  Scales  of  the  body  smooth,  polished  and  opalescent; 
a  few  rows  on  the  top  of  the  tail  are  distinctly  keeled. 

Colouration. — The  pattern  consists  of  bands,  extending 
lengthwise.  On  the  back  is  a  broad  band  of  dark  brown,  occupy- 
ing the  five  central  rows  of  scales  and  a  half  row  on  each  side; 
this  band  also  covers  the  top  of  the  head.  On  each  side  of  the 
dark  area  is  a  pale  olive,  or  yellowish  band,  two  scales  wide  and 
beneath  this,  another  band  of  the  darker  hue,  the  width  of  2^ 
rows  of  scales.  The  abdomen,  ist,  2d  and  one  half  of  the  3d 
rows  of  scales,  also  the  upper  lip  plates,  are  yellow  and  immacu- 
late. 

Through  the  courtesy  of  Dr.  Samuel  Carman,  who  originally 
described  this  species,  the  writer  has  examined  the  type  specimen. 
Its  smooth,  shining  scales,  small,  flat  head  and  banded  markings, 
cause  it  to  resemble  the  Rainbow  Snakes  (Farancia  and  Abastor}, 
though  it  is  not  closely  related  to  those  serpents.  It  is  a  showy 
reptile,  but,  like  the  Rainbow  Snakes,  leads  a  burrowing  life. 

Dimensions. — The  measurements  were  taken  from  the  type 
specimen: 

Total  Length 24^  inches. 

Length  of  Tail 5^ 

Greatest  Diameter f      " 

Width  of  Head *      " 

Length  of  Head I 

Distribution. — Known  only  from  Florida.  It  is  a  rare  ser- 
pent. 

Habits. — A  secretive  animal,  found  hiding  under  logs  in 
damp  places.  Captive  specimens  cannot  be  induced  to  feed. 


265 


CHAPTER  XXIX :  THE  BROWN  SNAKES 

Small  and  Secretive  Species,  Representing  the  Genera  STORERIA, 
HALDEA,  AMPHIARD1S,  and  VIRGINIA 

SOME  of  the  diminutive  snakes  included  in  this  chapter 
are  probably  degenerate  descendants  of  the  group  of  water 
snakes.  In  adopting  secretive  and  subterraneous  habits  they 
have  gradually  lost  the  colours  and  size  of  the  ancestral  forms. 
These  serpents  are  readily  recognised  by  the  dull  brown  of  the 
upper  surface,  with  but  obscure  markings  or  none  whatever. 
Their  maximum  length  is  about  fourteen  inches.  They  are 
generally  familiar  as  the  little  "ground  snakes"  so  often  found 
hiding  under  flat  stones  or  the  bark  of  decaying  trees. 

A  key  to  the  genera  and  species  is  given,  together  with 
illustrations  of  the  heads  and  sections  of  the  body,  for  the  species 
are  so  alike  in  colouration  that  they  are  most  easily  told  by  their 
scalation. 

The  key  follows: 

I.  Body  scales  keeled. 

%No  loreal  plate.  Genus  Storeria. 

Brown  above;  pinkish  beneath. 

DEKAY'S  SNAKE,  S.  dekayi. 
Brown  above;  vermilion  beneath. 

STORER'S  SNAKE,  S.  occipitomaculata. 
%%A  loreal  plate. 

*Two  internasal  plates.  Genus  Ampliardis. 

Brownish-olive  above;  abdomen  white. 

CARMAN'S  BROWN  SNAKE,  A.  inofnatus. 
**One  internasal  plate.  Genus  Haldea. 

Brown  above;  pinkish  beneath. 

BROWN  SNAKE,  H.  striatula. 
II.     Body  scales  smooth. 

No  preocular  plate.  Genus  Virginia. 

Brown  above;  yellow  beneath. 

Scales  in  fifteen  rows.  VALERIA'S  SNAKE,  V.  Valeria. 

Brown  above;  yellow  beneath. 

Scales  in  seventeen  rows.     VIRGINIA'S  SNAKE,  V.  elegans. 

266 


The  Brown  Snakes 

The  Genus  Storeria:  Four  species  constitute  this  genus; 
two  occur  in  North  America  and  come  within  the  scope  of  this 
work;  the  others  inhabit  Mexico  and  Central  America. 

DEKAY'S  SNAKE;  BROWN  SNAKE;  GROUND  SNAKE 
Storeria  dekayi,  (Holbrook) 

Size  small — seldom  exceeding  twelve  inches;  body  mod- 
erately stout,  with  heavily  keeled  scales.  The  eyes  are  large. 

Colouration. — Chestnut  or  grayish  brown;  a  streak  of  paler 
tint  on  the  back,  bordered  on  each  side  with  black  dots.  Which, 
on  the  tail,  run  together,  forming  two  blackish  lines.  Abdomen 
pinkish  white. 

Colours  of  the  young. — Newly  born  individuals  are  very 
minute.  They  are  dark  gray  or  black,  with  a  ring  of  grayish- 
white  around  the  neck.  Their  dark  hue  changes  rapidly  and 
during  the  warm  months  succeeding  their  first  hibernation  they 
acquire  the  brown  of  the  adult  form.  Immediately  after  birth, 
a  snake  of  this  species  resembles  a  young  Ring-necked  Snake 
(Diadophis  punctatus},  but  may  be  distinguished  by  the  keeled 
scales,  which  impart  a  dull,  velvety  lustre.  A  specimen  twenty- 
four  hours  old  measures  3^  inches  in  length,  and  slightly  less 
than  an  eighth  of  an  inch  in  diameter  at  the  thickest  part  of  the 
body.  The  mother  of  this  specimen  was  larger  than  the  average 
adult,  measuring  fourteen  inches  in  length. 

From  above,  this  little  reptile  looks  much  like  the  closely 
allied  species — the  Red-bellied  Snake  or  Storer's  Snake,  but 
may  be  at  once  told  by  the  colour  of  the  abdomen  as  compared 
with  the  vermilion  underside  of  the  latter-named  species.  The 
bright  abdominal  colour  of  the  Red-bellied  Snake,  however, 
soon  fades  to  a  pale  yellow  when  that  reptile  has  for  a  time  been 
preserved  in  alcohol,  causing  it  to  closely  resemble  both  above 
and  beneath,  the  DeKay's  Snake.  Examined  closely,  a  line 
of  slaty  gray  will  be  seen  to  separate  the  pale  tint  of  the  abdomen 
from  the  brown  of  the  sides.  These  gray  bands,  which  when  closely 
inspected  will  be  found  to  be  composed  of  minute  and  closely 
dusted  specks  of  bluish-gray,  are  prominent  on  the  greater  num- 
ber of  specimens  of  Red-bellied  Snakes  and  form  a  useful  char- 
acter in  separating  preserved  specimens  from  those  representing 
the  DeKay's  Snake  which  have  no  trace  of  such  bands. 

Dimensions. — The  largest  specimen  of  DeKay's  Snake 

267 


The  Brown  Snakes 

examined  measured  15  inches.  The  following  measurements 
are  of  an  adult  of  average  size,  captured  in  Westchester  County, 
New  York: 

Total  Length i2j  inches. 

Length  of  Tail 2Tsg- 

Diameter  of  Body -&    " 

Width  of  Head J      " 

Length  of  Head f 

Distribution. — The  species  is  widely  distributed  and  generally 
abundant.  It  occurs  in  southern  Canada,  and  inhabits  the 
entire  United  States  east  of  the  Rocky  Mountains,  whence  it 
extends  southward  into  Mexico. 

Habits. — Very  secretive,  this  little  snake  usually  passes 
the  hours  of  light  hiding  among  loose  stones  or  under  flat  rocks, 
whence  it  sometimes  ventures  abroad  late  in  the  afternoon, 
and  at  such  times  may  be  seen  crossing  country  roads.  During 
the  early  spring  it  may  frequently  be  found  basking  in  the  sun- 
light. It  feeds  largely  upon  earthworms  and  slugs,  in  fact  the 
writer  has  never  succeeded  in  inducing  this  species  to  eat  any- 
thing else,  although  it  is  very  probable  that  in  a  wild  state  it 
also  feeds  upon  the  smaller  salamanders  and  the  soft-bodied 
grubs  of  beetles.  Although  there  has  been  much  controversy 
to  the  opposite  effect,  a  number  of  the  smaller  species  of  snakes 
are  partially  insectivorous  in  their  habits.  An  examination 
of  the  stomachs  of  a  number  of  very  small  specimens  of  the 
present  species,  disclosed  the  presence  of  various  beetles  that 
live  under  rocks  and  frequent  similar  situations  as  do  these 
reptiles. 

Where  other  species  of  snakes  have  long  been  exterminated 
owing  to  their  wandering  habits,  which  lead  them  into  the  danger 
zone  of  stone  and  club,  this  diminutive  reptile  is  yet  abundant. 
Contented  with  remaining  in  a  small  patch  of  loose  rocks  or 
stubble  where  its  food  is  always  to  be  found,  the  DeKay's  Snake 
yet  exists  in  moderate  numbers  even  within  the  limits  of  the 
large  eastern  cities,  in  parks  and  upon  unimproved  pieces  of 
ground. 

This  snake  is  viviparous,  giving  birth  to  from  twelve  to 
twenty  young;  during  the  latter  part  of  the  summer.  Some  notes 
upon  the  breeding  habits  are  appended: 

268 


THE  REPTILE  BOOK 


•    *-  ' 


PLATE  LXXXIII 


DEKAY'S  SNAKE,  Storeria  dekayi 
An  extremely  common  species  of  eastern  North  America,  living  under  stones  and  logs,  and  feeding  largely  upon  earthworms- 


STOKER'S  SNAKE  ;    RED-BELLIED  SNAKE.  Storeria  occipitomaculata 
Distinguished  frofiv  the  preceding  species  in  having  a  vermilion  instead  of  a  pinkish  abdomen.     Abundant  in  eastern  North  America 


THE  REPTILE  BOOK 


PLATE  LXXXIV 


BROWN  SNAKE,  Haldea  striatula 

These  diminutive  brown  snakes  are  extremely  common  in  the  southeastern  portion  of  the  United  States,  hiding  under  bark  of 
decaying  trees  or  under  stones  and  feeding  upon  earthworms  or  insect  larvs 


VALERIA'S  SNAKE,  Virginia  valeriae 
Another  of  the  little  brown  ground  snakes.     Immediately  told  by  its  smooth  scales.    Secretive  in  habits 


The  Brown  Snakes 

July  28th.  Brood  of  15.  Female  from  Westchester  Co.,  N.  Y. 

"    3 1  st.  "      "  1 8.          "         "     Englewood,  N.  J. 

August  5th.  "      "  12.          "         "     Snake  Hill,  N.  J. 

8th.  "      "  15.          "         "     Central  Park,  N.  Y. 

STORER'S   SNAKE   OR   RED-BELLIED  SNAKE;   BROWN 

SNAKE,  GROUND  SNAKE,  ETC. 

Storeria  occipitomaculata,  (Storer) 

Slightly  smaller  than  the  preceding  species,  but  similar 
in  general  form. 

Colouration. — Chestnut  brown  or  grayish  above.  A  streak 
of  paler  shade  is  generally  present  on  the  back.  The  abdomen 
is  brilliant  red,  bordering  which  colour  is  a  tinge  of  slate  gray 
on  the  edges  of  the  abdominal  plates. 

The  head  is  slightly  darker  than  the  body;  immediately 
behind  the  head  is  a  prominent  yellow  spot,  and  each  side  of  the 
neck  is  a  smaller  spot  of  similar  colour.  These  spots  at  once 
distinguish  this  reptile  from  the  preceding  and  closely  related 
species.  Other  points  of  distinction  are  given  in  the  description 
of  the  latter  snake. 

Colour  variations. — Above,  individual  specimens  are  in- 
clined to  vary  to  a  considerable  extent.  The  commoner  form 
is  brown,  with  a  paler  band  on  the  back.  On  some  specimens 
there  are  rows  of  indistinct,  dark  brown  spots.  Others  are  of 
a  uniform  brown  above,  with  no  traces  of  a  paler  band,  while 
on  each  side  of  the  vermilion  underside,  is  a  broad  band  of  bluish- 
gray,  narrowing  the  central,  red  portion  to  about  one-third  the 
width  of  the  abdominal  plates. 

Occasional  specimens  are  dark  gray,  or  almost  black,  with 
a  bright  yellow  band  on  the  back.  Such  specimens  are  of  a  rich 
crimson  on  the  under  surface.  Yet  another  variation  is  gray 
with  two  rows  of  white  dots  upon  the  back.  The  spots  on  the 
neck,  however,  are  seldom  lacking  and  serve  to  identify  any  of 
these  varying  forms. 

Young  specimens  are  very  dark  brown,  or  black,  with  a 
whitish  collar. 

Dimensions. — By  comparing  a  large  series  of  the  Red- 
bellied  Snake  and  the  De  Kay's  Snake,  the  writer  is  led  to  be- 
lieve the  former  to  be  a  smaller  species.  The  measurements 
given  show  an  average  of  an  extensive  series: 

269 


The  Brown  Snakes 


Total  Length 10    inches. 

Length  of  Tail 2ft 

Diameter  of  Body 1       " 

Width  of  Head ft      " 

Length  of  Head ft      " 

Distribution. — The  species  inhabits  much  the  same  areas 
as  the  DeKay's  Snake.  It  is  abundant  in  some  portions  of 
southern  Canada,  and  is  found  over  the  United  States  generally 
east  of  the  Rocky  Mountains,  whence  it  extends  into  Mexico. 
However,  it  is  not  so  generally  abundant  as  the  DeKay's  Snake. 
It  appears  to  be  restricted  to  certain  areas,  where  it  is  common, 
but  between  which  only  occasional  specimens  may  be  found. 
In  the  mountainous  regions  of  New  York  and  New  Jersey  it  is 
particularly  abundant. 

Habits. — Very  similar  in  its  actions  to  the  preceding  species. 
It  hides  under  flat  stones  or  among  loose  rocks,  venturing  abroad 
late  in  the  afternoon.  The  food  consists  of  earthworms,  slugs 
and  the  soft-bodied  grubs  of  beetles.  These  little  snakes  live 
well  in  a  terrarium,  where,  upon  a  diet  of  earthworms,  they  will 
subsist  for  several  years,  becoming  very  tame  and  taking  their 
food  from  the  hand. 

The  Red-bellied  Snake  is  viviparous,  producing  from  eight 
to  twelve  young.  The  young  are  so  diminutive  that  a  large 
earthworm  appears  quite  gigantic  in  comparison.  One  of  these 
youngsters  could  coil  comfortably  upon  a  dime  and  leave  a  per- 
ceptible margin  all  around  it.  Following  are  observations  upon 
the  birth  of  several  broods: 

August  1 8th.  Brood  of   8.     Female  from  Sullivan  County,  N.  Y. 

7- 
7- 


Sepl 

22nd. 
23rd. 
24rd. 
25th. 
25th. 

20th. 

27th. 
3oth. 
:.       4th. 

9- 

7- 

i 

The  average  length  of  these  young  snakes  was  three  and 
a  quarter  inches.  Within  an  hour  or  so  after  birth  they  com- 
menced shedding  their  skin,  after  which  process  they  appeared 
black  and  velvety. 

270 


The  Brown  Snakes 

The  Genus  Haldea:  But  one  species  constitutes  this  genus. 
It  is  abundant  in  the  southeastern  United  States.  From  its 
diminutive  size,  strongly  keeled  scales  and  colouration,  it  looks 
much  like  the  two  preceding  species,  but  the  head  is  more  pointed, 
and  the  eyes  much  smaller. 

THE  GROUND  SNAKE  OR  BROWN  SNAKE;  WORM  SNAKE 

Haldea  striatula,  (Linn.) 

Very  small,  and  moderately  slender.  Although  moderately 
distinct  from  the  neck,  the  head  is  very  narrow  and  pointed, 
with  minute,  bead-like  eyes. 

Colouration. — Uniform  grayish-brown  or  reddish-brown  above; 
yellowish-white  beneath.  There  is  a  pale,  indistinct  band  across 
the  top  of  the  head. 

Dimensions. — The  measurements  are  given  of  an  adult, 
female  specimen,  from  Raleigh,  North  Carolina: 

Total  Length 1 1     inches. 

Length  of  Tail if       " 

Diameter  of  Body J      " 

Width  of  Head.. J      " 

Length  of  Head ^      " 

Distribution. — This  species  is  widely  distributed  and  gen- 
erally abundant.  In  the  East  it  occurs  from  central  Virginia 
to  Florida;  in  the  Central  States  it  is  found  as  far  north  as  Minne- 
sota, thence  it  extends  southward  into  Texas. 

Habits. — During  a  collecting  trip  in  South  Carolina,  this 
small  reptile  was  found  to  be  abundant  in  wooded  districts 
where  the  soil  was  damp.  It  was  discovered  under  the  bark  of 
fallen  trees.  During  three  weeks'  hunting,  not  a  specimen  was 
seen  prowling,  a  condition  pointing  to  a  secretive  or  burrowing 
existence;  it  possibly  ventures  from  the  hiding  places  at  night. 
The  food  appears  to  consist  of  earthworms,  the  soft-bodied  grubs 
of  the  wood-boring  beetles  and  possibly  the  little  ground  lizard 
(Lygosomd) . 

In  proportion  to  its  small  body,  the  tongue  of  this  snake 
is  very  long  and  when  thrown  out  to  its  greatest  extent  and 
rapidly  vibrated,  actually  imparts  a  distinct,  vibratory  move- 
ment to  the  reptile's  head  and  neck.  None  of  the  specimens 

271 


The  Brown  Snakes 

showed  signs  of  fight.  One  of  the  captives  gave  birth  to  seven 
young  on  the  2oth  of  August. 

The  Genus  Ampkiardis:  A  single  species  is  known.  It  has 
been  taken  in  Texas  only. 

The  scales  are  keeled,  but  shining.  Body  rather  stout; 
head  not  distinct;  tail  short. 

CARMAN'S  BROWN  SNAKE 
Ampbiardis  inornatus,  (Carman) 

Differs  from  Haldea,  in  having  two  iniernasal  plates,  the 
stouter  body,  lustrous  scales  and  different  hue  both  above  and 
beneath.  No  preocular  plate,  the  loreal  bordering  the  eye  in 
front.  Scales  in  seventeen  rows. 

Colouration. — Brownish  olive  above;  abdomen  white,  the 
bases  of  the  plates  tinged  with  gray  or  olive. 

Dimensions. — Length  from  snout  to  tip  of  tail,  loj  inches; 
length  of  tail  if  inches. 

Distribution. — But  two  specimens  are  known.  They  were 
taken  near  Dallas,  Texas. 

The  Genus  Virginia:  While  resembling  the  preceding  rep- 
tiles in  size,  colouring  and  general  conformation,  the  two  species 
composing  this  North  American  genus  may  be  at  once  told  by 
their  smooth  scales. 

VALERIA'S  SNAKE  ;   BROWN   SNAKE  ;  WORM   SNAKE  ; 

GROUND  SNAKE,  ETC. 
Virginia  Valeria,  (Baird  &  Girard) 

Very  small,  with  moderately  stout  body,  and  short,  abruptly 
tapering  tail.  Head  pointed  and  not  very  distinct  from  the  neck. 

Colouration.  —  Dark  chestnut,  or  grayish-brown,  usually 
with  two  rows  of  minute  black  dots  on  the  back.  Abdomen 
yellowish-white. 

This  species  appeals  to  the  Worm  Snake,  (Carphophis), 
but  the  head  of  that  reptile  is  of  the  same  width  as  the  neck, 
while  the  abdomen  is  pinkish.  With  the  present  species  it  will 
be  observed  that  the  head  is  perceptibly  wider  than  the  neck, 
and  the  abdomen  yellowish. 

Dimensions. — The  measurements  of  an  adult,  female  spec- 
imen, are  given: 

272 


The  Brown  Snakes 

Total  Length 7J  inches. 

Length  of  Tail ij 

Diameter  of  Body " 

Width  of  Head -fa     " 

Length  of  Head f      " 

Distribution, — The  species  occurs  rather  commonly  from 
Maryland,  westward  to  Illinois,  and  southward  to  Georgia  (in- 
clusive). In  the  southern  portion  of  its  range,  it  extends  west- 
ward to  the  Mississippi  River. 

Habits. — Similar  to  the  preceding  soberly-coloured  and 
diminutive  reptiles,  this  little  snake  leads  a  secretive  life.  It 
feeds  upon  worms  and  the  soft-bodied  larvae  of  insects  that  bur- 
row into  decaying  trees.  A  female  captured  in  North  Carolina 
on  the  loth  of  August,  gave  birth  to  seven  young  on  the  i5th 
of  the  same  month.  The  tiny  creatures  were  not  as  thick  as 
an  ordinary  match. 

VIRGINIA'S   SNAKE 
Virginia  elegans,  (Kennicott) 

Size,  form  and  colour  like  the  preceding.  The  only  differ- 
once  between  the  two  species  consists  in  the  narrower  scales 
arranged  in  a  greater  number  of  rows  with  the  present  one.  If 
the  rows  of  scales  across  the  body  be  counted  they  will  be  found 
to  number  seventeen.  With  Valeria's  Snake  the  scales  are  in 
fifteen  rows. 

Distribution. — The  Central  Region — southern  Illinois,  south- 
ward to  Texas  (inclusive). 


273 


CHAPTER  XXX:     THE  RACERS 

GENERA  SPILOTES  AND  ZAMENIS 
Large  Non-constricting  Serpents,  Characterised  by  their  Great  Agility 

SLIM  and  graceful  in  form,  large  of  size  and  very  active  in 
their  movements,  the  snakes  of  the  genera  Spilotes  and  Zamenis 
have  attained,  in  the  popular  interest,  a  certain  prominence  over 
many  other  reptiles,  and  may  be  appropriately  grouped  under 
a  general,  popular  head — The  Racers. 

One  species  of  Spilotes — the  Gopher  or  Indigo  Snake,  occurs 
in  the  United  States.  The  genus  is  a  small  one,  in  numbers. 
Most  of  the  species  occur  in  tropical  South  America.  Zamenis 
is  a  large  genus.  The  species  inhabit  North  America,  Mexico 
and  Central  America,  and  the  Old  World.  Four  species  and 
several  distinct  varieties  of  these  snakes  occur  in  the  United 
States.  Two  of  the  species  inhabit  the  southwestern  portion; 
the  remaining  two  species  range  from  the  Atlantic  to  the  Pacific 
Coasts. 

All  of  the  North  American  Racers  have  perfectly  smooth 
scales.  Although  the  body  appears  powerful  enough,  none  of 
these  snakes  evinces  the  habit  of  constricting  the  prey. 

A  concise  table,  to  assist  in  identification,  follows: 

A.  Scales  polished.    One  plate  (preocular)  in  front  of  eye. 
Ventral  plate  entire.  Genus  Spilotes 
Lustrous  black  above  and  beneath. 

din  red. 

GOPHER  SNAKE;  INDIGO  SNAKE,  S.  corals  couperi. 
Distribution. — South  Carolina  to  Florida ;  Westward 
to  eastern  Texas  and  Mexico. 

B.  Scales  with  dull,  satiny  lustre.    Two  plates  (preocular s) 
in  front  of  eye.     Ventral  plate  divided. 

Genus  Zamenis. 
a.  No  stripes  or  bands.* 

Uniform,  slaty  black  above  and  beneath;  chin  and  throat 
white.  BLACKSNAKE,  Z.  constrictor. 

Distribution. — U.  S.  east  of  the  Mississippi. 


*The  key  appeals  to  adult  representatives  of  the  species. 

274 


THE  REPTILE  BOOK 


PLATE  LXXXV 


BLACK  SNAKE,  Zamenis  constrictor 


BLUE  RACER,  Zamenis  constrictor  ftaviventris 


INDIGO  SNAKE,  Spilotes  corals  couperi 


gsr.c-  •  • 

^     *    -*    - r     •-    .  -        V-   -*  • 


COACHWHiP  SNAKE,  Zamenis  flagellijormis  STRIPED  RACER,  Paminis  icriiti's 

NORTH  AMERICAN  RACERS 


if 

f>  cs 

N 


The  Racers 

Olive  above;  pale  yellow  beneath. 

"BLUE"  RACER,  Z.  constrictor,  variety '  flaviventris. 
Distribution. — U.  S.  west  of  the  Mississippi. 
Forward  portion  of  body  blackish,  becoming  pale  brown 
on  latter  portion ;  abdomen  white. 

COACHWHIP  SNAKE,  Z.  ftagelliformis. 
Distribution. — Southern  United  States. 
Entire  upper  surface  dark  brown;  uniform  pink  beneath. 
PINK-BELLIED  RACER,  Z.  flagelliformis,  variety  piceus. 
Distribution. — Southern  Arizona. 

b.  Transverse  bands  on  forward  portion. 

Reddish  brown,  with  darker  cross-bands  on  forward 
portion;  abdomen  pinkish. 

RED  RACER,  Z.  flagelliformis,  variety  frenatum. 
Distribution. — Southwestern  U.  S. 

c.  Body  with  stripes,  running  lengthwise. 

Brown  or  black — a  single   (narrow)  yellow  band  on 
each  side  of  body. 

BANDED  RACER,  Z.  lateralis. 
Distribution. — Arizona  and  California. 
Brown,  with  two    or    more    narrow,   yellow  stripes 
on  each  side. 

STRIPED  RACER,  Z.  tceniatus. 
Distribution. — Southwestern  U.  S. 

d.  Body  with  both  bands  and  stripes. 

Brown,  with  two,  narrow  yellow  stripes  on  each  side. 
Wide,  dark  cross-bands  on  the  back. 

ORNATE  RACER,  Z.  tceniatus,  variety  ornatus. 
Distribution. — Western  Texas. 

The  Genus  Spilotes:  Representing  this  genus  in  the  United 
States  is  one  of  the  largest  of  the  North  American  serpents. 
The  several  species  of  the  genus  occurring  in  tropical  South 
America  are  the  largest  of  the  non-venomous  snakes,  excepting 
the  great  constricting  snakes — the  Boidcz.  The  species  of  Spilotes 
are  often  known  as  the  "Rat  Snakes"  owing  to  their  fondness 
for  rodents  and  the  agility  they  exhibit  in  catching  them.  Thus, 
in  South  America  and  the  West  Indies,  they  are  recognised  as 
reptiles  of  considerable  value  for  man,  and  are  quite  strenuously 
protected.  In  the  tropics  it  is  not  an  uncommon  sight  to  see 
them  prowling  about  yards  and  enclosures,  gliding  under  the 
houses  and  in  other  ways  evincing  a  general  familiarity  toward 
man  that  comes  after  a  period  of  immunity  from  danger.  While 
powerful  and  quick  of  movement,  these  large  snakes  are  not 

275 


The  Racers 

constrictors,  but  subdue  their  prey  by  holding  it  firmly  to  the 
ground  under  a  portion  of  the  body  and  engulfing  it  at  the  same 
time.  The  species  are  not  striking  in  their  colouration,  showing 
hues  of  olive,  brown  or  black,  but  their  large  size  and  polished 
scales  render  them  rather  showy  among  colubrine  snakes. 

A  description  is  given  of  the  single  species  inhabiting  North 
America: 

THE  GOPHER  SNAKE;  INDIGO  SNAKE 
Spilotes  corais,  variety  couperi,  (Holbrook) 

As  this  species  attains  a  length  of  over  eight  feet,  it  must 
be  rated  as  one  of  the  largest  of  the  North  American  serpents. 
The  body  is  moderately  stout  and  the  entire  scalation  is  as 
polished  as  glass;  the  high  polish  of  the  scales  imparts,  when  the 
reptile  is  in  a  strong  light,  a  blue-black  hue — hence  the  popular 
name  of  Indigo  Snake.  Specimens  that  have  recently  cast 
their  skins  show  all  the  prismatic  colours  on  the  plates  of  the 
abdomen,  which  present  a  surface  like  burnished  metal. 

Colouration. — Entire  upper  and  under  surfaces  (with  the 
exception  of  the  chin  and  sides  of  head)  lustrous  black,  or  blue- 
black.  The  chin,  throat  and  upper  lip  plates  are  reddish-brown. 

Dimensions. — With  the  exception  of  the  Western  species 
of  Pituoplis — the  Bull  Snakes  and  several  of  the  Colubers,  this 
snake  attains  the  greatest  length  of  any  of  the  North  American 
serpents. 

Following  are  the  measurements  of  a  fair-sized  specimen, 
from  Seven  Oaks,  Florida: 

Total  Length 6  feet,  1 1     inches. 

Length  of  Tail 13 

Greatest  Diameter 2 

Width  of  Head jf      " 

Length  of  Head 2\ 

The  largest  specimen  examined  by  the  writer  was  measured 
as  follows : 

Total  Length 7  ft.    9      inches 

Length  of  Tail 13^ 

Greatest  Diameter 2\      " 

Width  of  Head if 

Length  of  Head 3 

276 


The  Racers 

Distribution. — The  Gopher  Snake  or  Indigo  Snake  is  a  variety 
of  a  large  serpent  inhabiting  tropical  South  America  and  Cen- 
tral America.  The  typical  form  is  pale  brown  or  olive,  sometimes 
dark  on  the  forward  portion  of  the  body  and  becoming  bright 
yellow  on  the  posterior  half.  It  is  popularly  termed  the  "Cribo" 
or  the  "  Rat  Snake."  A  darker  variety  occurs  in  northern  Central 
America  and  Mexico. 

The  black  form  (the  Indigo  Snake)  inhabits  the  Gulf  States 
of  North  America,  occurring  in  South  Carolina,  Georgia  and 
Florida,  thence  westward  to  the  Rio  Grande  in  eastern  Texas 
and  into  Mexico.  Texas  specimens  have  a  tendency  to  show 
traces  of  brown  upon  the  tips  of  the  scales,  thus  appealing  to  the 
Mexican  variety.  Specimens  from  the  extreme  eastern  portions 
of  the  United  States — Georgia  and  Florida — are  always  uniform 
black,  with  the  exception  of  traces  of  red  upon  the  sides  of  the 
head  and  on  the  throat. 

North  American  "Black  Snakes":  From  this  description 
it  will  be  noted  that  the  Gopher  Snake  might  appropriately  be 
called  a  "blacksnake,"  which  is  often  the  case  in  portions  of 
the  reptile's  range — but  this  confuses  it  with  a  commoner  reptile 
— ibe  blacksnake,  or  racer,  a  species  widely  distributed  and  well 
known  under  the  title.  The  latter  reptile  extends  its  range  well 
into  that  of  the  Gopher  Snake  and  its  colouration  is  very  similar. 
A  few  words  will  clear  this  situation. 

The  Gopher  Snake  (Spilotes},  is  highly  polished — glassy — 
in  appearance.  The  Blacksnake  (Zamenis  constrictor)  exhibits 
a  satiny  lustre,  like  the  surface  of  a  gun-barrel.  The  chin  and 
throat  of  the  former  species  are  reddish;  the  chin  and  throat 
of  the  latter  are  milky-white. 

Another  North  American  blacksnake  is  the  Pilot  Blacksnake, 
or  Black  Chicken  Snake  (Coluber  obsoletus).  Close  examination 
will  show  this  species  to  have  weakly  keeled  scales,  a  character 
at  once  distinguishing  it  from  the  former  reptiles  as  both  have 
smooth  scales. 

Habits  of  the  Gopher  Snake 

Few  of  the  North  American  serpents  are  more  attractive 
than  the  present  species.  Its  smooth,  glittering  length  of  blue- 
black  body,  flashing  with  all  the  prismatic  colours  along  the  broad 

277 


The  Racers 

plates  of   the   undersurface,  and   its   good-natured   demeanour, 
combine  to  make  it  a  favourite  in  collections. 

The  Indigo  Snake  is  found  in  the  sandy  portions  of  the 
southeastern  United  States  and  often  glides  for  the  burrows 
of  the  gopher  tortoise  when  danger  threatens — hence  one  of  its 
popular  names — the  Gopher  Snake.  The  spectacle  of  one  of 
these  big  serpents,  trailing  its  black  length  over  a  stretch  of 
light  sand  is  one  to  arouse  the  enthusiasm  of  the  naturalist. 
Powerful  and  agile,  though  considerably  less  active  in  flight 
than  such  ophidians  as  the  blacksnake  and  the  coachwhip  snake, 
it  shows  little  of  the  viciousness  of  these  creatures.  A  freshly 
captured  specimen  will  often  submit  to  handling  with  a  perfect 
show  of  good  nature,  but  when  surprised  in  its  native  haunts, 
and  escape  be  cut  off,  the  Indigo  Snake  assumes  a  position  quite 
unique  among  serpents.  Flattening  the  head,  it  compresses 
the  neck  for  some  inches,  so  that  the  latter  is  flattened  vertically. 
It  then  arches  the  neck  slightly,  and  in  this  eccentric  attitude 
will  strike  at  the  object  of  its  anger.  At  such  times  the  snake 
rapidly  vibrates  the  tail.  But  these  exhibitions  of  bad  temper 
are  generally  short  and  spasmodic,  and  the  reptile  becomes  very 
tame  in  captivity,  feeding  readily  from  the  hand.  Contrary  to 
the  strength  indicated  in  the  stout,  though  graceful  body, 
the  Indigo  Snake  is  not  a  constrictor,  but  feeds  in  the  same 
fashion  as  the  blacksnake,  namely,  by  holding  the  prey  to  the 
ground  under  a  portion  of  the  body  and  engulfing  the  animal 
at  the  same  time. 

While  most  snakes  confine  their  food  either  to  warm-blooded 
animals,  or  to  other  reptiles  and  batrachians,  this  species  is  quite 
omnivorous,  feeding  with  equal  voracity  upon  small  mammals 
and  birds,  frogs,  toads,  lizards,  and  other  snakes.  Captive  spec- 
imens are  very  fond  of  small  fishes.  Few  reptiles  are  so  hardy 
in  captivity.  A  specimen  has  been  in  the  writer's  collection  for 
eleven  years.  This  snake  was  full-grown  when  received.  The 
writer  has  exhibited  it  to  many  friends  who  were  prejudiced 
against  snakes,  but  when  noting  the  complete  docility  of  the 
handsome  creature,  have  become  quickly  reconciled  to  the 
fact  that  the  actual  serpent  is  a  far  different  animal  than  the 
imaginative  one.  The  amateur  snake  student  can  select  no 
more  satisfactory  reptile  for  observation  and  study  than  the 
Indigo  Snake. 

278 


The  Racers 

In  the  South,  it  is  no  rare  sight  to  see  one  of  these  large 
snakes  gliding  about  the  immediate  vicinity  of  the  dwellings 
that  are  removed  from  the  larger  towns.  In  such  places  the 
reptiles  are  regarded  as  good  ratters.  Some  specimens  will 
remain  for  years  in  a  certain  small  area  of  a  plantatio  i,  or  in  the 
vicinity  of  the  stables,  and  are  almost  daily  picked  up  by  the 
children  or  their  elders,  who  regard  them  as  pets.  Such  reptiles, 
accustomed  to  the  sight  of  man,  are  devoid  of  fear  and  rather 
seem  to  enjoy  the  process  of  being  handled. 

The  yellow  rat  snake,  or  "cribo"  of  the  West  Indies  and 
tropical  South  America,  of  which  species  the  Indigo  Snake  is 
but  a  northern  variety,  displays  a  similar  good  nature  and  enjoys 
the  same  toleration  from  mankind.  The  closely  allied  rat  snakes 
of  India  are  generally  protected,  on  account  of  their  usefulness 
in  destroying  vermin,  but  are  diabolical  in  temper  and  usually 
remain  untamable  in  captivity. 

The  Indigo  Snake  is  oviparous.  Its  eggs  equal  those  of  a 
bantam  in  size. 

The  Genus  Zamenis:  The  snakes  of  this  genus  are  closely 
allied  to  the  species  of  Spilotes.  They  kill  their  prey  in  the  same 
fashion — not  by  constriction,  but  by  pressing  the  animal  firmly 
to  the  ground,  deglutition  proceeding  at  the  same  time. 

THE    BLACKSNAKE;    BLACK   RACER 
Zamenis  constrictor,  (Linn.) 

Form  moderately  slender;  tail  very  long.  Head  but  mod- 
erately distinct  from  the  neck;  the  eyes  large.  Scales  smooth 
and  satiny. 

Colouration. — Adult  specimens  are  uniform,  slaty  black 
above  and  beneath — the  chin  and  throat  milky-white. 

The  amount  of  white  upon  the  chin  and  throat  differs  con- 
siderably with  individuals.  It  exists  to  the  greater  extent  on 
specimens  from  the  Southern  States,  extending  some  distance 
along  the  throat  and  covering  a  considerable  portion  of  the  upper 
lip  plates.  On  specimens  from  Connecticut,  New  York,  New 
Jersey  and  Pennsylvania,  the  white  is  usually  confined  to  the 
chin,  and  in  some  instances  is  to  be  seen  on  only  a  few  of  the 
chin  plates. 

Colouration  of  the  Young. — The  young  of  this  species  are 

279 


The  Racers 

strikingly  different  from  the  parent.  They  are  pale  gray  above, 
with  a  series  of  large,  brownish  blotches  on  the  back  and  num- 
erous black  spots  on  the  sides.  During  their  second  summer  they 
grow  darker  and  the  pattern  becomes  obscure.  In  their  third 
summer  they  acquire  the  uniform,  shiny  black  of  the  parent. 

Description  of  a  Young  Specimen 

Pale  gray  above,  becoming  whitish  on  the  sides.  On  the 
back  is  a  series  of  large,  grayish-brown  saddles,  which  are  con- 
siderably larger  on  the  forward  portion  of  the  body;  toward 
the  tail  they  become  narrower  and  indistinct,  owing  to  the  darker 
hue  of  the  tail.  The  forward  third  of  the  body  is  profusely 
spotted  with  black  on  the  sides  and  at  the  edges  of  the  abdominal 
plates;  the  abdomen  is  pale  gray.  The  head  is  pale,  with  dark 
spots  and  blotches;  the  eyes  are  very  large.  At  the  time  it 
was  described,  this  specimen  was  three  weeks  old;  it  was  twelve 
and  a  half  inches  long  and  hatched  from  a  litter  of  ten  eggs,  col- 
lected in  Plymouth  County,  Connecticut. 

A  specimen  about  ten  inches  long,  from  Marion  County, 
Florida,  is  pale  gray,  with  dark  brown  saddles  on  the  back.  There 
are  numerous  brick-red  spots  on  the  edges  and  centres  of  the 
abdominal  plates. 

Another  specimen  from  Florida,  twenty  inches  long,  and 
presumably  about  nine  months  old,  is  dark  gray  on  the  forward 
third  of  the  body,  with  distinct,  blackish  blotches.  The  pos- 
terior two-thirds  of  the  body  is  very  dark  and  the  blotches  are 
invisible. 

Young  specimens  resemble  partially  grown  individuals  of 
the  Milk  Snake  (Opbibolus  doliatus  triangulus),  but  may  be  told 
from  the  latter  by  their  very  large  eyes  and  the  absence  of 
black  markings  on  the  abdomen,  arranged  in  tessellated  fashion. 

Variations. — A  distinct  variety  is  recognised  and  de- 
scribed under  a  separate  head. 

Dimensions. — A  very  large  Blacksnake  is  about  six  feet 
long.  The  dimensions  given  are  from  a  fine  specimen,  taken 
in  Westchester  County,  New  York: 

Total  Length 5  feet  9   inches. 

Length  of  Fail 17^     " 

Greatest  Diameter i|     " 

Width  of  Head ||  " 

Length  of  Head if     " 

280 


The  Racers 

Distribution. — The  typical  Blacksnake  is  found  in  eastern 
North  America,  from  southern  Canada,  southward  throughout 
Florida  and  westward  to  the  prairie  regions  (not  inclusive) 
of  the  United  States.  It  is  a  generally  abundant  reptile.  West- 
ward of  the  Mississippi  the  typical  form  is  replaced  by  a  distinct 
colour  variety — the  "Blue"  Racer. 

Habits  of  the  Blacksnake 

The  Blacksnake  is  a  much  overrated  reptile — the  alleged 
sworn  enemy  of  the  rattlesnake,  all-around  boss  among  serpents 
generally,  and  a  demon  in  temper.  This  species  is  generally 
described  as  going  considerably  out  of  its  way  to  pick  fights 
with  mankind  and  displaying  sufficient  strength  during  these 
combats  to  squeeze  an  arm  or  limb  into  a  condition  approaching 
insensibility.  Besides  possessing  these  formidable  habits,  the 
Blacksnake  is  also  described  as  exhibiting  the  power  of  fascinating 
birds  and  squirrels — drawing  these  weak  creatures  by  hypnotic 
power  to  within  reach  of  its  jaws,  when  they  are  enveloped  in 
a  crushing  embrace. 

All  this,  unfortunately  for  the  writer  of  romantic  snake 
stories,  must  be  exploded.  The  Blacksnake  has  no  interest 
in  the  rattlesnake  or  any  snake  of  his  size.  His  only  interest 
in  snakes  inclines  toward  individuals  much  smaller  than  him- 
self: for  his  appetite  is  frequently  of  a  cannibalistic  nature. 
As  for  going  out  of  his  way  in  a  demonstration  appealing  to  man- 
kind, it  must  be  explained  that  part  of  the  statement  is  true. 
The  snake  goes  considerably  out  of  his  way  and  usually  with 
a  dash  like  an  arrow — but  the  purpose  of  such  quick  movements 
is  to  place  as  much  distance  between  the  snake  and  member  of 
the  human  race  as  possible.  The  Blacksnake  is  no  coward  if 
cornered,  and  fight  be  necessary,  but  few  snakes  will  "pick  up 
and  git"  with  the  alacrity  and  speed  of  this  terrestrial  rocket, 
if  escape  be  possible.  Concerning  the  snake's  powers  of  hyp- 
notism or  "charming"  suffice  it  to  say  that  there  are  none. 
And  last,  but  by  no  means  of  least  importance,  is  the  fact  that 
the  Blacksnake,  in  spite  of  all  the  stories  of  its  strength,  is  not 
a  constrictor  and  has  no  power  to  squeeze  its  prey  to  death.  It 
feeds  upon  prey  quite  small  in  proportion  to  the  reptile's  size, 
and  swallows  the  quarry  while  it  is  struggling.  If  the  animal 
be  very  vigorous,  the  snake  presses  it  firmly  to  the  ground  under 

281 


The  Racers 

a  portion  of  the  body,  deglutition  proceeding  at  the  same 
time. 

This  species  generally  selects  rather  dry  and  open  situations, 
being  especially  partial  to  the  edges  of  meadows  which  are  fringed 
along  their  borders  with  brush  or  bushes,  into  which  the  snake 
may  dart  for  shelter.  In  such  places  it  finds  an  abundance  of 
birds  or  the  small  wild  mice  that  make  their  nests  in  the  under- 
growth or  in  stone  walls,  where  they  are  hunted  by  the  snake. 
The  species  is  commonly  observed  sunning  at  the  edges  of  these 
opens,  or  sometimes  stretched  out  in  the  bushes,  for  it  is  an  agile 
climber,  and  although  not  passing  much  time  above  the  ground 
will  occasionally  ascend  to  considerable  heights  in  search  of 
nests  containing  eggs  or  young  birds,  being  voraciously  fond  of 
both.  The  Blacksnake  is  also  fond  of  frogs — in  fact  it  might 
be  called  an  omnivorous  serpent. 

Having  observed  the  Blacksnake  many  times  afield,  the 
writer  feels  competent  to  explain  something  about  its  alleged 
"boldness."  While  climbing  one  of  the  mountains  in  Pike 
County,  Pennsylvania,  he  cams  suddenly  upon  a  specimen  on 
a  rocky  ledge,  engaged  in  a  tussle  with  a  ribbon  snake  (Eutcenia 
saurita),  which  it  was  endeavouring  to  swallow.  The  victim 
had  been  grasped  by  the  neck  and  had  so  twisted  itself  about 
its  captor's  body  that  the  latter  was  having  anything  but  an 
easy  time  in  the  engulfing  process.  Approaching  warily,  the 
writer  made  an  attempt  to  capture  both,  but  the  wily  "racer" 
had  spied  him,  and,  releasing  the  ribbon  snake  from  its  jaws, 
dashed  through  the  relaxing  coils  of  the  victim  and  over  the 
cliff.  Grasping  the  bewildered  ribbon  snake  by  the  tail,  the 
writer  saw  the  Blacksnake  dart  into  the  air  fully  six  feet  from 
the  rock  and  drop  fifty  feet  below  on  a  thick  growth  of  bushes, 
over  which  it  skimmed  with  bewildering  speed  for  some  distance, 
when  it  dove  into  the  brush  and  disappeared.  The  majority 
of  Blacksnakes  seen  by  the  writer  have  displayed  a  correspond- 
ing alacrity  to  get  away,  and  to  catch  them  means  a  quick  dash, 
with  outstretched  hand,  and  an  indifference  to  the  serpents 
teeth:  for  the  moment  a  specimen  is  made  captive,  it  displays 
such  dexterity  in  striking  that  one  must  be  quick  indeed  to  avoid 
its  passes. 

When  overtaken  on  smooth  ground,  where  its  undulations 
do  not  catch  the  proper  purchase  for  fast  travelling,  this  species 

282 


The  Racers 

will  turn  and  strike  boldly  at  the  would-be  captor.  If  cornered, 
it  fights  bravely,  raising  the  anterior  portion  of  the  body  from 
the  ground  and  striking  upward  to  a  distance  of  more  than  half 
its  length. 

While  chasing  a  specimen  across  a  cotton  field,  the  writer 
observed  the  snake  to  start  into  a  crevice  of  the  ground  and 
gave  the  reptile  up  for  lost.  It  appeared  that  the  snake  was 
not  familiar  with  the  place  as  the  crevice  extended  but  a  foot 
or  so.  Finding  this  to  be  the  case,  and  with  only  head  and 
neck  secreted,  the  reptile  thrashed  the  exposed  part  of  its  body 
in  an  hysterical  exhibition  of  rage  and  excitement,  and  emerged 
from  the  burrow  to  face  the  pursuer,  the  maddest  snake  he  had 
ever  seen.  Forgetting  the  surrounding  vegetation,  which  offered 
good  shelter,  it  struck  a  dozen  times,  and  during  these  antics 
was  made  a  captive. 

After  a  few  weeks  in  captivity,  these  snakes  lose  their  ner- 
vousness, feed  readily  and  thrive  for  years.  They  display  rather 
more  intelligence  than  do  most  serpents,  and  will  quickly  learn 
to  come  to  the  hand  that  feeds  them.  The  writer  once  wit- 
nessed a  remarkable  performance  on  the  part  of  a  captive  spec- 
imen. This  snake  had  been  captured  more  than  a  year.  Tak- 
ing the  creature  from  its  glass-fronted  cage,  the  owner  placed 
it  upon  the  floor,  and  taking  a  dead  mouse  by  the  tail,  offered 
it  to  the  snake,  although  he  warily  kept  the  rodent  about  a  foot 
from  the  ophidian's  jaws.  Holding  the  mouse  the  same  distance 
from  the  snake,  he  retreated  across  the  room,  the  shining  creature 
following  in  graceful  undulations,  with  head  upraised.  Up 
a  ladder  leading  to  a  loft  went  the  man,  the  snake  quickly  as- 
cending the  rungs ;  and  then  describing  a  circle  on  the  floor  above, 
the  man  descended  the  ladder,  the  snake  sliding  after  him.  Once 
more  in  the  room,  he  held  the  mouse  some  distance  from  the 
floor,  shaking  it  vigorously  in  one  hand,  while  with  the  other 
he  reached  for  his  pet,  which,  quickly  climbing  to  the  coveted 
mouse,  seized  and  began  swallowing  it  while  yet  in  the  master's 
hands.  Throughout  the  entire  performance,  the  snake  dis- 
played nothing  but  eagerness  for  the  mouse — and  absolutely 
no  fear  of  the  actions  of  the  man. 

The  Blacksnake  is  oviparous — depositing  from  one  to  two 
ozen  eggs  during  June  or  July.  These  are  frequently  secreted 
nder  flat  stones,  on  sunny  banks,  or  are  laid  in  soft,  moist  soil. 

283 


The  Racers 

A  captive  specimen  slightly  under  five  feet  in  length,  deposited 
eight  eggs.  These  were  elongated  and  cylindrical  in  shape. 
They  measured  at  time  of  deposit  i£  inches  in  length  and  li 
of  an  inch  in  diameter.  (Illustration — Batch  of  Eggs.)  The 
eggs  are  snow-white  when  laid,  and  have  a  tough,  leathery  shell. 
Each  egg,  on  close  examination,  appears  to  have  a  smooth,  satiny 
surface  sprinkled  with  coarse  grains  of  salt.  This  character  dis- 
tinguishes the  eggs  of  the  Blacksnake  from  those  of  the  great 
majority  of  snakes. 

The  batch  of  eggs  under  discussion  was  placed  in  a  pail 
containing  a  composition  of  decaying  pulp  from  the  heart  of  a 
dead  tree,  mixed  with  sphagnum  moss — making  an  excellent 
hatching  medium.  Following  are  several  notes  taken  during 
the  development  of  these  eggs. 

July  6th,  Eight  eggs  deposited.  Length  if-  inches;  diameter 
•^  of  an  inch.  On  opening  one  of  the  eggs  it 
was  found  to  contain  a  minute  embryo,  coiled — 
like  the  hair-spring  of  a  watch.  The  eggs  were 
placed  in  an  incubating  medium. 

July  2oth,  The  eggs  have  increased  in  size,  but  maintain 
their  symmetrical  outlines.  Length,  2  inches; 
diameter,  f-  of  an  inch. 

Aug.  I5th,  The  eggs  have  increased  greatly  in  size,  especially 
in  diameter,  becoming  globular,  rather  than 
cylindrical — appearing  lumpy  and  irregular  in  out- 
lines. On  opening  one  of  them,  it  was  found  to 
contain  an  embryo  five  inches  in  length.  This  is 
colourless,  but  shows  the  scalation  to  be  well  formed. 
The  head  of  the  little  creature  is  abnormally 
large,  while  the  body  is  so  translucent  that  when 
held  before  the  light  the  heart  may  be  seen  per- 
forming its  regular  pulsations.  The  only  move- 
ment of  this  immature  specimen  is  a  slight 
twitching  of  the  body. 

Sept.  4th,  Two  snakes  emerged  from  the  eggs.  They  re- 
semble young  milk  snakes  owing  to  the  strikingly 
blotched  pattern.  Length,  8f  inches;  diameter 
T\  of  an  inch. 

Sept.  5th,  The  remainder  of  the  eggs  hatched  on  this  date. 

The  following  valuable  information  concerning  the  breeding 
habits  of  the  Blacksnake  is  quoted  from  the  notes  of  Mr.  C.  S. 

284 


The  Racers 

Brimley,*  to  whom  the  writer  is  indebted  for  various  sugges- 
tions and  many  interesting  living  specimens: 

"The  eggs  of  the  Blacksnake,  (Bascanion  constrictor)  are 
more  frequently  found  than  those  of  any  other  species  of  snake. 
.  .  .  The  eggs  are  free,  not  adherent  to  one  another  in  clus- 
ters, as  is  the  case  with  some  other  species;  in  size  they  vary  from 
about  26  to  40  mm.  in  length,  by  21  to  28  in  width,  and  are  found 
in  lots  of  from  five  to  twenty-two  in  number,  the  larger  lots  usually 
consisting  of  larger  eggs  than  the  smaller  lots,  from  which  one 
would  naturally  infer  that  the  smaller  lots  of  smaller  eggs  were 
probably  laid  by  smaller  and  younger  individuals,  and  the  larger 
lots  of  larger  eggs  by  larger  and  older  individuals. 

"The  eggs  must  take  at  least  a  month  to  hatch,  possibly 
much  longer.  A  lot  of  13  eggs  were  brought  in  June  28tn,  1900, 
and  four  of  them  were  kept  until  they  hatched  on  July  25th, 
twenty-seven  days  later,  the  young  snakes  emerging  through  a 
longitudinal  slit  in  the  egg.  Sometimes  there  are  several  of  these 
slits ;  in  this  lot  the  markings  of  the  young  snakes  began  to  show 
on  those  preserved  on  July  6th,  nineteen  days  before  hatching. 
Another  lot  of  21  eggs  of  this  species  brought  in  July  i  ith,  1902, 
in  which  the  spotted  pattern  had  begun  to  appear  on  the  em- 
bryos, were  kept  till  some  of  them  hatched  on  July  28th,  seven- 
teen days  later;  three  of  these  young  snakes  measured  respectively 
285,  300  and  303  mm.  in  length.  Another  lot  obtained  in  1900 
contained  among  others,  one  egg  which,  though  entirely  normal 
in  external  appearance,  was  very  abnormal  internally,  inasmuch 
as  it  contained  two  embryos,  and  one  of  these  was  a  two-headed 
monster." 

Regarding  the  freak  specimen  mentioned  in  Mr.  Brimley's 
notes  the  writer  would  explain  that  he  has  obtained  such  creatures 
from  hatching  broods  of  Hog-nosed  Snakes  (Heterodon  platy- 
rhinus),  King  Snakes  (Opbibolus  getulus),  and  Milk  Snakes  (O. 
doliatus  triangulus).  The  eccentric  character  has  also  been 
observed  among  viviparous  serpents. 

THE  "BLUE"  RACER;  GREEN  RACER;  YELLOW- 
BELLIED  RACER 

Zamenis  constrictor,  variety  flaviventris,  (Say) 
More  slender  than  the  typical  form — the  Blacksnake — and 
of  smaller  size. 

Colouration. — Bluish-green,  pale  olive  or  dark  olive  above. 
The  abdomen  is  pale  yellow — the  chin  and  throat  are  lighter. 

*The  American  Naturalist,  Vol.  XXXVII,  No.  436,  April,  1903. 

285 


The  Racers 

The  lightest  specimens  are  from  the  western  portion  of  the 
Mississippi  Valley.  Individuals  from  the  Pacific  Region  are 
dull  olive. 

Dimensions. — The  writer's  largest  specimen  is  four  and  a 
half  feet  long. 

Distribution. — The  United  States  generally,  west  of  the 
Mississippi  River. 

Habits. — Like  the  typical  form. 

THE  COACHWHIP  SNAKE 
Zamenis  flagelliformis,  (B.  &  G.) 

Form  very  slender;  tail  very  long.  One  of  the  largest 
species,  attaining  a  length  of  eight  feet.  Head  narrow. 

Colouration. — Forward  portion  of  the  body  black,  or  very 
dark  brown,  becoming  paler  toward  the  latter  half;  the  tail 
is  pale  brown. 

White  beneath,  the  plates  of  the  underside  showing  clouded 
edges  on  the  neck  and  throat;  plates  under  the  latter  portion  of 
the  body  immaculate  white  or  yellow. 

Variations. — Some  specimens  are  sooty-black  for  two- 
thirds  the  length  of  the  body,  but  become  brownish,  or  dark 
gray  toward  the  tail.  Such  are  usually  from  South  Carolina, 
Georgia  and  northern  Florida.  Many  specimens  from  southern 
Florida  are  pale  brown  on  the  head  and  neck  and  pale  greenish- 
gray  for  the  greater  length  of  the  body.  In  the  extreme  West, 
this  species  exhibits  a  decidedly  reddish  colouration,  which 
variation  is  described  under  a  separate  head. 

Young  specimens  of  the  Coachwhip  Snake  are  mottled  in 
a  fashion  similar  to  the  colouration  of  the  young  blacksnake, 
but  they  retain  this  spotted  pattern  to  a  considerably  greater 
age  than  the  young  of  the  allied  species;  the  pattern  may^ some- 
times be  discerned  on  individuals  that  are  almost  mature- 
especially  when  the  skin  has  been  freshly  cast.  One  Western 
variety  retains  the  pattern  throughout  maturity;  this  has  been 
described  separately. 

Dimensions. — The  species  attains  a  length  of  eight  feet, 
which  size  represents  a  very  large  specimen.  Following  are 
the  measurements  of  a  specimen  from  Marion  County,  Flor- 
ida: 

286 


THE  REPTILE  BOOK 


PLATE  LXXXVII 


INDIGO  SNAKE,  Spilotes  corals  couperi 

The  largest  serpent  of  the  eastern  United  States,  attaining  a  length  of  9  feet.     Sometimes  called  the  Gopher  Snake  as  it  often  takes 

refuge  in  the  burrows  of  the  gopher  tortoise 


CRIBO,  Spilotcs  corais  melanunts 

A  north  Mexican  variety  of  5.  corais  of  South  America,  more  closely  approaching  the  typical  form  than  the  variety  of  the 

southeastern  United  States 


THE  REPTILE  BOOK 


PLATE  LXXXVIII 


YOUNG  OF  THE  COMMON  RACER,  Zamenis  constrictor 

As  is  characteristic  with  all  the  species  of  the  genus,  the  young  of  the  Blacksnake  is  strongly  blotched  or  banded.     The  pattern 
lades  into  the  uniform  black  of  the  adult  during  the  second  year 


BLACKSNAKE;  RACER,  Zamenis  constrictor.    Adult— Northern  phase 

A  familiar  serpent  of  the  eastern  United  States.     It  is  not  a  constrictor,  despite  the  scientific  name.     Grows  to  a  length  of  seven  feet 
As  it  feeds  largely  upon  small  rodents  it  should  be  protected  by  the  agriculturist 


The  Racers 

Total  Length 7  ft.  i     in. 

Length  of  Jail i    '"  8£  in. 

Greatest  Diameter* i  J  inches. 

Width  of  Head i 

LengthofHead 2\ 

Distribution. — The  range  of  the  typical  form — the  Coach- 
whip  Snake — is  from  South  Carolina  (inclusive)  southward 
throughout  Florida  and  westward  to  Arizona;  northern  Mexico. 
In  the  East  the  species  is  not  so  generally  abundant  as  the 
blacksnake.  During  a  two  weeks'  collecting  trip  in  the  South, 
the  writer  captured  seventy  blacksnakes,  but  during  the  entire 
period  observed  but  five  specimens  of  the  Coachwhip  Snake. 
The  species  appears  to  be  more  abundant  in  Texas  than  in  the 
southeastern  United  States.  Many  specimens  have  been  re- 
ceived from  the  vicinity  of  Brownsville  and  from  San  Antonio. 
Among  these  Texas  specimens  were  several  of  a  uniform  pale 
green  hue. 

Habits. — Closely  related,  the  Coachwhip  Snake  and  .the 
blacksnake  are  very  similar  in  habits.  Although  the  black- 
snake  is  one  of  the  most  active  of  serpents,  the  Coachwhip  Snake 
is  yet  more  speedy  in  traversing  the  ground.  This  wonderful 
agility  is  rendered  possible  by  the  reptile's  build — exceedingly 
slim  of  body.  Like  the  blacksnake,  the  Coachwhip  Snake  is 
also  addicted  to  cannibalism,  though  it  feeds  principally  upon 
small  rodents,  birds  and  eggs.  It  will  not  eat  frogs.  It  is  an 
excellent  climber,  but  not  to  any  extent  arboreal  in  habits,  as 
it  frequents  rather  open,  sandy  country,  where  it  darts  over 
the  ground,  if  annoyed,  with  an  amazing  display  of  speed.  The 
writer  has  most  commonly  seen  these  snakes  among  the  "sand 
hills"  of  Georgia  and  South  Carolina,  where  the  burrows  of  the 
gopher  tortoise  were  numerous.  The  snakes  take  refuge  in 
these  burrows  when  pursued. 

Although  feeding  readily,  this  species  is  one  of  the  few  harm- 
less snakes  to  retain  a  fierce  disposition  when  captive  and  resent 
being  handled.  When  annoyed  it  vibrates  the  tail  rapidly, 
partially  opens  the  mouth,  and  with  head  raised  some  distance 
from  the  ground,  will  strike  viciously  and  repeatedly.  Owing 
to  its  nervous,  restless  disposition,  it  requires  food  more  fre- 
quently than  do  many  snakes.  An  adult  specimen  will  consume 

*  Note  the  very  slender  body  as  compared  with  the  length. 

287 


The  Racers 

several  mice  or  animals  of  a  similar  size  about  every  five  days. 
The  prey  is  not  constricted. 

This  species  lays  from  one  to  two  dozen  eggs. 

THE   RED   RACER 

Zamenis  flagelliformis,  variety  frenatus,  (Stejneger) 

Like  the  typical  form  the  scales  are  in  seventeen  rows.  The 
body  is  slender  and  the  tail  very  long. 

Colouration. — With  this  variety,  the  colours  of  which  are 
decidedly  reddish,  the  transverse  bands  of  the  young  are  re- 
tained through  life. 

The  ground-colour  is  pale  reddish-brown;  many  of  the 
scales  have  darker  tips  and  some  are  narrowly  margined  with 
pink.  The  forward  quarter  of  the  body  is  crossed  by  dark  bands, 
but  these  are  not  very  distinct.  The  greater  portion  of  the  ab- 
domen is  pink,  though  this  hue  is  usually  mixed  with  yellow 
and  clouded  with  gray. 

Dimensions. — Smaller  than  the  typical  form. 

Distribution. — The  southwestern  United  States — Nevada, 
Utah,  Arizona  and  southern  portions  of  California. 

THE   PINK-BELLIED   RACER 

Zamenis  flagelliformis,  variety  piceus,  (Cope) 
Size   and   conformation    like   the   preceding   variety.     This 
form  exhibits  from  seventeen  to  nineteen  rows  of  scales. 

Colouration. — Uniform,  dark  reddish-brown  above;  uni- 
form pink  beneath. 

Distribution. — But  a  few  specimens  of  this  snake  are  known. 
All  were  taken  in  southern  Arizona. 

THE   BANDED   RACER 

Zamenis  later alis,  (Hallowell)  % 

Slightly  stouter  than  the  preceding  species.  The  scales 
are  in  seventeen  rows.  The  colouration  renders  the  species  very 
easy  to  determine. 

Colouration. — Dark  brown  or  black,  with  a  single  yellow 
stripe  on  each  side  of  the  body,  extending  from  the  neck  to  the 
tail.  On  brown  specimens  the  stripes  are  narrowly  margined 
with  black. 

288 


The  Racers 

The  abdomen  is  yellow;  there  are  a  few  dark  blotches  under 
the  chin  and  throat.  Above,  the  head  is  dark;  there  is  a  pale 
line  from  the  nostril  to  the  eye;  the  upper  lip  plates  are  pale. 

Dimensions. — Attains  a  length  of  five,  rarely  six  feet. 

Distribution. — Arizona  and  southern  California;  probably 
northern  Mexico. 

Habits. — The  writer  has  had  but  one  living  specimen.  It 
was  very  nervous  and  when  approached  would  dash  frantically 
about  its  cage,  its  head  coming  repeatedly  in  violent  contact 
with  the  glass  as  it  endeavoured  to  rush  through  it.  This  spec- 
imen was  twice  induced  to  eat  very  young  birds,  but  lived  only 
a  few  months. 

THE   STRIPED   RACER;    STRIPED   WHIP   SNAKE 

Zamenis  tceniatus,  (Hallowell) 

Size  fairly  large;  form  very  slender,  with  long,  tapering 
tail.  Eyes  large. 

Colouration. — Very  dark  brown  or  black,  with  numerous, 
narrow  yellow  lines  on  the  sides.  White  beneath  for  the  greater 
portion  of  the  length,  but  becoming  coral  pink  under  the  tail. 
The  chin  and  throat  are  spotted  with  black. 

On  close  examination,  the  scales  of  the  sides  will  be  seen 
to  be  yellow,  with  a  black  line  extending  through  the  centre  of 
each;  this  interruption  of  the  ground-colour  imparts  the  ap- 
pearance of  narrow,  yellow  lines  on  a  darker  ground,  as  explained 
in  the  preceding  paragraph.  The  edges  of  the  abdominal  plates 
usually  show  an  elongated,  black  spot;  these  spots  form  a  row 
on  the  greater  length  of  the  body.  The  yellow,  striped  appear- 
ance on  the  sides,  is  most  vivid  on  the  forward  portion;  toward 
the  latter  portion  of  the  body  it  becomes  diffused  with  the  ex- 
ception of  the  uppermost  bands  of  pale  colour,  which  form  a 
bright  stripe  on  each  side  of  the  back;  the  tail  is  usually  with- 
out traces  of  stripes. 

The  head  is  dark — the  edges  of  the  shields  narrowly  mar- 
gined with  white  or  yellow;  there  is  a  light  spot  in  front  and 
behind  the  eye;  the  lip  plates  are  yellow. 

Variation. — The  species  exhibits  a  certain  degree  of  varia- 
tion with  age,  but  the  presence  of  several  light  bands  on  the  sides 
render  it  easily  distinguishable.  One  distinct  variety  is  described. 

289 


The  Racers 

Dimensions. — Following  are  the  measurements  of  a  fair- 
sized  specimen,  captured  in  Beaver  County,  Utah: 

Total  Length 4  feet,  3   inches. 

Length  of  Tail i  foot,  3^       " 

Greatest  Diameter f 

Width  of  Head &    " 

Length  of  Head i  J 

Distribution. — The  southwestern  United  States  and  Mexico. 
It  occurs  in  California,  Utah,  western  Colorado,  Nevada,  Arizona, 
New  Mexico  and  Texas.  In  Mexico  the  range  is  quite  extensive. 

THE   ORNATE   RACER 
Zamenis  tceniatus,  variety  ornatus,  (B.  &  G.) 
Differs  from  the  typical  form  in  the  colouration. 
Pale  brown,  with  stripes  on  the  sides  like  the  typical  reptile. 
On  the  back  are  wide,  dark  cross-bands;  these  are  most  distinct 
on  the  forward  portion  of  the  body  and  on  some  specimens  are 
of  a  distinctly  oblong  formation. 
Distribution. — Western  Texas. 

To  one  who  has  observed  these  slender-bodied,  graceful 
serpents  literally  skim  over  the  ground  in  their  flight  for  shelter, 
the  comprehensive  title  for  them — the  Racers — will  appear 
most  appropriate.  Like  many  fleet  creatures  they  are  so  high- 
strung  and  nervous  that  as  captives  few  of  them  live  long. 
Among  the  snakes,  they  are  equivalent  to  the  swallows  among 
the  birds. 


290 


THE  REPTILE  BOOK 


PLATE  LXXXIX 


BLACKSNAKE;   RACER,  Zamenis  constrictor— Southern  phase 
This  Southern  phase  has  more  white  on  the  chin  and  lip  plates  than  the  Northern  Blacksnake 


BLUE  RACER,  Zamenis  constrictor  flaviventris 

From  the  Mississippi  Valley  to  the  Pacific  Coast  the  eastern  Blacksnake  gives  way  to  a  greenish  or  bluish  representative, 
«\  having  a  bright  yellow  abdomen 


THE  REPTILE  BOOK 


PLATE  XC 


COACHWHIP  SNAKE,  Zamenis  flagellijormis 

Acquires  the  popular  name  from  the  very  slender  body  and  a  scalation  that  suggests  a  braided  whip.     Found  in  the  South, 
from  South  Carolina  and  Florida  to  California 


M    -1 


STRIPED  RACER ;  WHIP  SNAKE,  Zamenis  taniatus 
Grows  to  a  length  of  seven  feet  and  inhabits  the  Southwestern  States.    An  extremely  active  serpent 


CHAPTER  XXXI:    THE  FLAT-NOSED  SNAKES 

•GENERA  SALVADORA  AND  PHYLLORHYNCHUS 
Unique  Serpents  of  the  Southwestern  United  States  and  Mexico 

FROM  all  other  North  American  snakes,  the  reptiles  of  the 
genera  Salvadora  and  Phyllorbynchus  may  be  distinguished  by 
the  peculiar  development  of  the  shield  on  the  snout — the  ros- 
tral. This  is  wedge-shaped,  the  flat  portion  forward,  and  with 
sharp,  projecting  edges.  The  unusual  formation  of  the  rostral 
gives  the  head  a  blunt,  square  outline.  With  Salvadora,  the 
development  is  moderate,  though  at  once  distinct;  with  Phyl- 
lorhynchus  however,  the  formation  of  the  rostral  is  carried  to 
such  an  extreme  that  the  two  species  are  extremely  grotesque 
and  appear  as  if  they  had  a  curved  shield  loosely  attached  to 
the  front  of  the  snout. 

The  Flat-nosed  Snakes  are  of  moderate  size;  they  occur 
in  the  southwestern  United  States  and  in  Mexico. 

Key  to  the  North  American  Species 

A.  Pupil  of  eye  round.     Nose  plate  (rostral)  moderately  de- 
veloped in  the  form  of  a  projecting  shield,   curved  back 
over  the  top  of  the  snout.  Genus  Salvadora 

Yellow,  with  brown  bands  (lengthwise). 

GRAHAM'S  FLAT-NOSED  SNAKE,  5.  grahamia. 
Distribution. — Western  Texas  to  Lower  California. 

B.  Pupil  elliptical.     Rostral  plate  greatly  developed  in  the 
form  of  a  projecting  shield.  Genus  Phyllorhynchus. 

a.  Scales  keeled  on  latter  portion  of  body. 
Whitish;  about  fifteen  brown  cross-bands. 

BROWN'S  FLAT-NOSED  SNAKE,  P.  browni. 
Distribution. — Southern  Arizona. 

b.  Scales  smooth. 

Whitish;  about  thirty  blotches  on  back. 

PENINSULA   FLAT-NOSED   SNAKE,  P.  deCUrtatuS. 

Distribution. — Lower  California;  southwestern  Ari- 
zona. 

291 


The  Flat-nosed  Snakes 

The  Genus  Salvadora:  One  species  of  this  genus  occurs  in 
the  United  States;  several  species  inhabit  Mexico.  These 
snakes  are  closely  allied  to  the  racers — Zamenis,  and  like  the 
latter  are  very  quick  in  their  movements.  All  inhabit  rocky 
places  and  feed  upon  small  mammals  and  birds;  they  do  not 
constrict  their  prey.  The  species  are  oviparous. 

THE  BANDED  FLAT-NOSED  SNAKE;  GRAHAM'S    FLAT- 
NOSED  SNAKE 
Salvadora  grahamice,  (Baird  &  Girard) 

Size  moderate.  Snout  blunt  and  square  owing  to  the  peculiar 
development  of  the  rostral  shield,  the  sides  of  which  are  sharp 
and  slightly  separated  from  the  head. 

Colouration. — On  the  back  is  a  wide  yellow  band,  extending 
the  entire  length  of  the  body;  this  band  is  about  three  scales 
wide;  it  is  bordered  on  each  side  by  a  dark  brown  or  olive  band 
of  about  the  same  width.  Beneath  the  brown  band  to  the  edges 
of  the  abdominal  plates  is  a  greenish  or  pale  brownish  area.  The 
abdomen  is  yellow. 

Some  variation  is  evinced  by  this  species.  The  brown 
bands  may  be  more  or  less  distinct  and  with  occasional  spec- 
imens they  are  broken  into  rows  of  dark  spots.  The  head  is 
generally  light  and  without  markings  above;  the  lips  are  bright 
yellow. 

Dimensions. — An  adult  specimen  from  northern  Chihuahua, 
Mexico,  shows  the  following  measurements: 

Total  Length 2  feet  4  inches. 

Length  of  Tail 5!      " 

Greatest  Diameter £      " 

Width  of  Head £      " 

Length  of  Head f      " 

Distribution. — Western  Texas,  New  Mexico,  Arizona,  Utah, 
Nevada,  California  and  Lower  California;  the  species  also  occurs 
in  the  states  of  Sonora  and  Chihuahua,  Mexico.  It  is  fairly 
abundant  within  the  United  States. 

The  Genus  Pbyllorhynchus:  The  species  are  quite  distinct 
from  those  of  Salvadora  and  appear  to  be  very  rare.  The  rostral 
plate  is  enormously  developed;  the  head  is  short,  thick  and 
chunky  and  the  eye  very  large,  with  elliptical  pupil. 

292 


The  Flat-nosed  Snakes 

The  scalation  of  the  head  generally — apart  from  the  unusual 
development  of  the  nose-plate — is  interesting  and  different 
from  the  majority  of  colubrine  snakes  of  this  country.  Between 
the  eye  and  the  upper  lip  plates  (superior  labials)  is  a  row  of 
small  scales.  There  are  two  or  three  plates  in  front  of  the  eye 
(supraoculars)  and  two  to  four  loreal  plates. 

BROWN'S  FLAT-NOSED  SNAKE 

Pbyllorhyncbus  browni,  (Stejneger) 

Size  small  and  the  body  slender;  head  but  slightly  distinct. 
The  scales  on  the  forward  portion  of  the  body  are  very  faintly 
keeled;  on  the  latter  portion  the  carination  is  distinct.  Tail 
short — about  one-eighth  the  total  length. 

Colouration. — Whitish  or  pale  yellow,  with  fifteen  brown 
blotches  on  the  back  which  are  paler  in  their  centres.  Abdomen 
white.  There  is  a  dark  bar  across  the  head  between  the  eyes. 

No  spots  on  the  sides. 

Dimensions. — Total  length  13  inches;  tail  if  inches. 

Distribution. — But  two  specimens  are  known.  Both  were 
taken  near  Tucson,  Arizona. 

Habits. — Nothing  is  known  of  the  habits.  It  appears  to 
be  a  desert  animal. 

THE  PENINSULA  FLAT-NOSED  SNAKE 
Pbyllorhynchus  decurtatus,  (Cope) 

Differs  from  the  preceding  reptile  in  having  smooth  scales 
and  a  shorter  tail — about  one-twelfth  the  total  length ;  also  in  the 
colouration. 

Colouration. — Whitish  or  pale  yellow,  with  about  thirty 
dark  blotches  on  the  back  and  one  or  two  rows  of  spots  on  the  sides. 

Dimensions. — Total  length  15!  inches;  tail  if  inches. 

Distribution. — Lower  California  and  south-western  Arizona. 
But  three  specimens  have  been  collected  and  of  these  only  a 
single  individual  has  been  taken  within  the  United  States — at 
Yuma,  Arizonat 


293 


CHAPTER   XXXII:    THE   RAT  SNAKES  OR   COL- 
UBERS;  GENUS  COLUBER 

Large  and  Powerful  Constricting  Serpents.  They  are  of  Considerable 
Economic  Value  in  Destroying  Animals  that  are  Injurious  to 
Agricultural  Pursuits. 

IN  THE  United  States  the  genus  Coluber  is  represented  by  five 
species  and  several  distinct  varieties  of  large  and  richly  cploured 
snakes.  The  genus  as  a  whole  contains  several  dozen  species,  in- 
habiting the  temperate  and  tropical  portions  of  both  the  New  and 
the  Old  World.  For  all  of  these  snakes,  both  for  convenience  and 
in  the  absence  of  a  general,  popular  title,  we  will  use  the  name 
Coluber.  In  some  localities  of  this  country  they  are  called  "rat 
snakes"  and  in  others  "chicken  snakes."  All  of  the  species  at- 
tain a  considerable  size.  Next  to  the  closely  allied  serpents  of 
the  genus  Pituophis  and  the  big  Indigo  Snake  (Spilotes]  the  Colu- 
bers are  the  largest  serpents  inhabiting  the  United  States. 

The  Colubers  exhibit  an  unvarying  preference  for  warm- 
blooded prey — especially  the  smaller  rodents,  but  with  few  ex- 
ceptions they  also  feed  upon  birds  and  their  eggs.  Such  North 
American  species  as  the  Red  Coluber  or  Corn  Snake,  the  Pilot 
Black  Snake  and  the  Fox  Snake  are  found  in  considerable  num- 
bers in  fields  of  growing  grain.  Their  presence  in  such  places — 
where  the  smaller  injurious  mammals  congregate  to  nest  and 
feed — is  obvious,  but  not  appreciated  by  the  average  farmer 
who  slaughters  the  reptiles  until  their  numbers  have  diminished 
to  a  standard  far  below  that  intended  by  Nature.  With  the 
destruction  of  the  snakes  comes  an  abundance  of  tire  injurious 
creatures  of  the  fields  and  the  farmer  vents  his  disgruntled 
feelings  to  the  accompaniment  of  further  reptilian  slaughter. 
The  protest  of  one  who  appreciates  the  situation  is  usually  met 
by  the  caustic  reply  that  "snakes  are  snakes"  and  as  such,  are 
fit  only  for  destruction  by  the  hand  of  humanity.  With 
persons  who  argue  thus,  it  is  a  waste  of  time  to  talk.  Suffice 
it  to  say  that  the  farmer  who  has  energetically  pursued  and 

294 


THE  REPTILE  BOOK 


PLATE  XCI 


FLAT-NOSED  SNAKE,  Salvadora  grahamia 
Closely  allied  to  the  racers,  but  necessarily  placed  in  a  separate  genus  owing  to  the  peculiar  development  of  the  snout 


FOX  SNAKE,  Coluber  imlpinus 

Receives  its  name  from  a  strong-smelling  secretion  in  glands  near  the  base  of  the  tail.     A  powerful  constrictor     Inhabits  the 
Central  States.     It  is  useful  to  the  farmer,  as  it  feeds  largely  upon  rats  and  mice 


THE  REPTILE  BOOK 


PLATE  XCII 


, 


NORTH  AMERICAN  COLCJBERS 


i,  2     Gray  Coluber,  Coluber  obsoletus  confinis. 

3,  4     Chicken  Snake,  Coluber  obsoletus  quadrivittalus. 


5,  6     Fox  Snake,  Coluber  vulpmus. 
7,  *     Corn  Snake,  Coluber  guttalus. 


The  Rat  Snakes  or  Colubers 

clubbed  to  death  the  harmless  snakes  upon  his  lands,  may  boast 
about  the  extermination  of  the  reptiles,  but  fails  to  realise  that 
his  labours  in  setting  traps  to  destroy  "vermin"  constitute  but 
weak  and  unsuccessful  efforts  of  the  work  the  snakes  have  been 
steadily  maintaining. 

The  Colubers  may  generally  be  recognised  by  the  flattened 
abdomen,  the  crawling-surface  forming  almost  right  angles  with 
the  sides.  The  body  is  moderately  stout,  the  head  broad 
and  rather  square.  The  scales  of  the  body  are  so  feebly  keeled 
that  with  most  of  the  species  they  appear  quite  smooth  unless 
very  closely  examined. 

In  making  up  a  key  for  these  serpents,  the  colouration  has 
been  employed  as  the  distinguishing  character.  This  popularises 
the  key  but  throws  the  species  out  of  the  order  in  which  they 
should  be  arranged  according  to  their  actual  relationship.  The 
proper  order  is  preserved,  however,  in  the  descriptive  list.  The 
colouration  in  the  key  appeals  only  to  the  adult  individuals. 
The  peculiar  pattern  of  the  young,  of  several  species,  will  be 
described  in  the  succeeding  pages. 

The  key  follows:  * 

A.    A  series  of  large,  central  blotches  and  a  smaller  series  on 
the  sides  of  the  body. 
*Markings  strongly  defined. 

a.  Markings    dark    brown    or    blackish  on  a  yellowish 
or  gray  body-colour. 

No  head  bands.    Yellowish,  with  regular,  dark  brown 
blotches 

RED-HEADED   COLUBER,'   FOX    SNAKE,  C.  VUlpinuS. 

Distribution. — Central  States. 

No  head  bands.     Yellow;  black  blotches    sending    out 
line-like  points  and  assuming  an  H-shaped  formation. 

DAVIS    MOUNTAIN    COLUBER,  C.  Subocularis. 

Distribution. — Davis  Mountains,  Texas. 
Dark  band  on  side  of  head.      Gray,  with  dark  brown 
blotches,  assuming  H-shaped  formation  on  neck. 

GRAY  COLUBER,  C.  obsoletus,  variety  confinis. 
Distribution. — Southern    portion    of    the     Central 

Region  and  the  S.  E.  united  States. 
Long,  dark  band  on  side  of  head.     Gray,  with  regular, 
brown  blotches.  EMORY'S  COLUBER,  C.  emoryi. 


*  One  other  genus — Rhinechis,  with  a  single  species,  is  embraced  in 
this  chapter;  the  scales  are  smooth;  the  colouration  is  in  transverse 
blotches. 

295 


The  Rat  Snakes  or  Colubers 

Distribution. — Western  portion  of  the  Central  Region 

— west  of  the  Mississippi.     Kansas  to  Mexico. 

b.  Blotches  crimson  or  blackish  on  reddish  ground-color. 

Black-bordered    bead    stripes.      Reddish    with    crimson 

blotches.     Abdomen  boldly  tessellated  with  black  and 

white.  RED  COLUBER;  CORN  SNAKE,  C.  guttatus. 

Distribution. — Southeastern   U.   S. 
**Blotches  rather  obscure. 

Head    black.      Skin    between    the    scales    brick    red. 
Blotches     black.      Edges     of     scales     between    the 
blotches,  yellow. 
LINDHEIMER'S  COLUBER,  C.  obsoletus,  variety  lindbeimeri. 

Distribution. — Texas. 
B.     Black — no  blotches. 

Edges  of  the  scales  sometimes  white  or  yellow.     Skin 
between  the  scales  often  brick  red. 

PILOT   BLACK    SNAKE ;    BLACK   COLUBER,  C.  obsoletus,    typical. 

Distribution. — Eastern  U.  S. 
C  Four  dark  stripes  on  a  pale  ground. 

Yellow  or  olive,  with  four  brown  or  black  stripes. 

FOUR-BANDED    COLUBER;    YELLOW.  CHICKEN    SNAKE,    C.  obso- 

[letus,  variety  quadrivittatus. 
Distribution. — Southeastern  U.  S. 

In  the  detailed  descriptions  herewith  given,  the  student 
should  carefully  note  the  peculiar  colour  transformation  from 
the  young  to  the  adult  state,  of  several  of  the  species.  The 
change  is  so  complete  that  young  individuals  are  very  confusing 
unless  their  status  is  understood. 

THE  FOX  SNAKE;  RED-HEADED  COLUBER 
Coluber  vulpinus,  (B.  &.  G.) 

Stoutest  of  the  Colubers.  The  tail  is  very  stout,  but  tapers 
abruptly  to  a  sharp  point.  The  scales  are  distinctly,  though 
not  heavily,  keeled.  Attains  a  length  of  five  or  six  feet. 

Colouration. — Pale  brown  or  yellowish,  with  a  series  $f  large, 
rich  brown  blotches  on  the  back  and  a  series  of  smaller,  alter- 
nating blotches  on  the  sides;  beneath  the  latter  and  at  the  edges 
of  the  abdominal  plates,  is  a  yet  smaller  series.  The  abdomen 
is  yellow,  with  numerous  dusky  spots. 

There  are  no  head  bands  and  the  head  is  often  tinged  with 
ruddy  yellow  or  reddish. 

Dimensions. — Specimens  six  feet  long  have  been  recorded, 
but  the  writer  finds  the  average  of  a  large  series  of  specimens 

296 


The  Rat  Snakes  or  Colubers 

from  Ohio,  Illinois,  and  Iowa  to  be  below  these  dimensions. 
The  measurements  of  an  average-sized  adult  from  Illinois,  are 
given: 

Total  Length 46^  inches. 

Length  of  Tail 7j      " 

Greatest  Diameter I J      " 

Width  of  Head jf     " 

Length  of  Head i$ 

Distribution. — The  Central  States,  from  Ohio  to  Minnesota 
and  Nebraska  (inclusive);  southward  to  the  valley  of  the  Mis- 
souri River.  The  species  is  quite  abundant  in  Ohio,  Illinois 
and  Iowa. 

Habits. — Compared  with  the  other  Colubers  this  is  a  ground- 
loving  species.  It  is  seldom  found  in  trees  and  its  actions  in 
climbing  are  not  nearly  so  agile  as  those  of  most  of  the  succeeding 
snakes.  Occasional  specimens  are  vicious  fighters,  vibrating 
the  tail  so  rapidly  that  the  member  is  blurred  in  the  motion;  at 
such  times  they  double  the  neck  into  an  S-shaped  loop  and  strike 
fully  a  third  their  length.  In  striking  they  emit  a  sharp,  short 
hiss,  sounding  like  a  miniature  sneeze.  An  enraged  specimen 
will  retain  this  position  for  a  quarter  of  an  hour,  following  with 
its  head  the  motions  of  the  person  who  annoys  it.  However, 
most  specimens  of  this  snake  are  very  good-natured  and  may  be 
handled  with  impunity  a  few  moments  after  capture.  They 
become  very  tame  in  captivity  and  cannot  be  induced  to  bite, 
a  demeanour  in  strong  contrast  to  the  erratic  disposition  of  the 
Pilot  Blacksnake  (C.  obsoletus),  the  Yellow  Chicken  Snake 
(C.  obsoletus  quadrivittatus}  and  many  individuals  of  the  beautiful 
Corn  Snake  (C.  gultatus).  When  newly  captured  specimens 
of  the  Fox  Snake  are  handled,  they  eject,  from  glands  at  the 
base  of  the  tail,  a  very  strong-smelling  secretion,  of  much  the 
same  odour  as  that  noted  about  the  cage  of  a  captive  fox — hence 
the  popular  name. 

The  Fox  Snake  feeds  largely  upon  small  rodents — young 
rats  and  mice.  To  procure  the  former  it  often  haunts  the  vicinity 
of  barns  and  sheds  where  hay  or  grain  is  stored.  From  this 
habit  it  is  sometimes  called  the  house  snake.  The  fully  adult 
individuals  eat  mammals  as  large  as  half-grown  rabbits.  They 
occasionally  prey  upon  birds  and  will  eat  their  eggs,  swallowing 
them  entire  and  breaking  the  shell  in  the  throat  by  a  contraction 

297 


The  Rat  Snakes  or  Colubers 

of  the  muscles.  The  good  this  species  does  in  destroying  the 
smaller,  injurious  creatures  of  the  fields,  should  cause  it  to  be 
the  recognised  friend  of  the  farmer.  One  snake  is  worth  a  dozen 
traps,  for  the  reptile  prowls  into  the  burrows  and  nests  of  rats  and 
mice  and  eats  the  entire  brood. 

Like  all  of  the  Colubers,  the  Fox  Snake  deposits  a  considerable 
number  of  eggs,  generally  in  the  hollow  of  a  rotting  stump,  and 
leaves  them  without  further  ado,  to  hatch  within  six  or  eight 
weeks'  time.  The  eggs  gradually  increase  in  size  by  absorbing 
the  moisture  of  the  wood  pulp  in  which  they  are  deposited. 
Just  prior  to  hatching,  an  egg  is  a  third  or  half  larger  than  when 
it  was  laid.  (See  Fig.)  One  of  the  writer's  specimens  deposited 
12  eggs  on  the  ist  of  July.  They  were  adhesive  in  a  single 
cluster.  These  eggs  began  hatching  on  the  2ist  of  August,  and 
all  had  not  hatched  until  about  ten  days  later.  The  female  speci- 
men was  three  and  a  half  feet  in  length  and  in  proportion  to 
her  size  the  young  were  very  large.  The  accompanying  photo- 
graph of  a  specimen  of  this  brood  (beside  a  rule)  illustrates  the 
proportions.  The  eggs  were  hatched  by  placing  them  in  damp, 
sphagnum  moss  and  keeping  them  in  an  ordinary  room  tempera- 
ture. 

As  a  captive  the  Fox  Snake  is  hardy  and  subsists  indefinitely 
upon  a  diet  of  mice  and  sparrows. 

EMORY'S    COLUBER 
Coluber  emoryi,  (B.  &  G.) 

Smallest  of  the  North  American  Colubers  and  the  most 
slender.  So  fine  is  the  carination  of  the  scales  that  they  appear 
perfectly  smooth  unless  closely  examined;  only  a  few  rows  on 
the  back  are  keeled. 

Colouration. — Ashy-gray,  with  a  series  of  rich  brown  or 
olive-brown  blotches  on  the  back,  separated  by  intervals  of  one 
or  two  scales.  These  blotches  are  narrowly  margined  wfth  black. 
There  is  a  smaller  series  of  alternating  blotches  on  the  side  and 
beneath  this  a  yet  smaller  series.  The  abdomen  is  yellowish- 
white,  with  dull  gray  blotches. 

From  behind  the  eye  tbere  is  a  dark  band  extending  past  the 
angle  of  the  mouth  to  the  neck.  Immediately  in  front  of  the  eyes 
is  a  dark  bar  extending  across  the  head.  There  are  two  elongated 
blotches  from  the  back  portion  of  the  head  to  the  neck. 

298 


THE  REPTILE  BOOK 


•     ISHntL 


PLATE  XCIII 


PILOT  BLACK  SNAKE,  Coluber  obsoletus 
Sometimes  confused  with  the  common  blacksnake,  but  may  be  told  by  its  keeled  scales 


BLOTCHED  CHICKEN  SNAKE,  Coluber  obsoletus  confinis 

Its  occasional  deportations  among  poultry  are  superficial  as  compared  with  its  persistent  search  for  rats  and  mice.    Found  in  the 
central  and  southeastern  portion  of  the  United  States 


THE  REPTILE  BOOK 


PLATE  XCIV 


YELLOW  CHICKEN  SNAKE     FOUR-BANDED  COLUBER— Adult 

Coluber  obsoletus  quadrivittatus 

This  fine  serpent  of  the  Southeastern  States  sometimes  enters  poultry  houses,  where  it  eats  the  eggs  and  very  young  fowls 
Most  frequently,  however,  its  presence  in  such  places  is  prompted  by  a  search  for  rats  and  mice 


EGGS  OF  FOUR-BANDED  COLUBER, 

Coluber  obsoletus  quadrivittalus 

During  their  incubation  in  wood  pulp  or  decomposing  vegetation,  the  eggs  steadily 
increase  in  size 


YOUN       OF  THE  FOUR- 
BANDED  COLUBER 
The  strongly  blotched  young  show  the 
relationship  to  the  Pilot  Blacksnake 


The  Rat  Snakes  or  Colubers 

Dimensions. — Few  specimens  are  over  four  feet  in  length 
and  the  greater  number  are  below  this  size. 

Distribution. — States  west  of  the  Mississippi  River,  from 
Kansas  to  New  Mexico.  Common  in  Texas  and  known  as  the 
"spotted  chicken  snake"  in  some  districts.  The  species  extends 
some  distance  into  the  state  of  Chihuahua,  Mexico,  where  it 
seems  to  be  more  abundant  than  in  the  United  States. 

Habits. — Similar  to  the  preceding  species.  It  is  not  a  vicious 
snake  and  soon  becomes  very  gentle  in  captivity.  The  food  con- 
sists principally  of  young  rats  and  mice — sometimes  small  birds. 
This  snake  is  a  very  agile  climber  and  is  often  found  in  trees. 
Captive  specimens  take  immediate  advantage  of  a  branch  or 
small  tree  placed  in  their  cage. 

THE   DAVIS  MOUNTAIN  COLUBER 
Coluber  subocularis,  (A.  E.  Brown) 

From  a  structural  view  alone,  this  species  is  very  distinct. 
Between  the  eye  and  the  lip  plates  (upper  labials)  is  a  row  of 
several  scales.  The  character  at  once  renders  the  species  unique 
among  the  other  North  American  Colubers,  as  the  latter  have  the 
upper  labial  plates  in  contact  with  the  eye. 

Colouration.  —  Ground-colour  rich,  orange-yellow  on  the 
forward  portion  of  the  body;  paler  in  the  rear.  On  the  back 
is  a  series  of  square  black  blotches — about  two  dozen  in  num- 
ber— which  send  forward  and  backward  from  their  corners  a 
narrow  black  band  or  line.  The  consequent  effect  is  a  series  of 
H-shaped  blotches,  with  wide  stems.  Toward  the  tail  these 
blotches  become  obscure  to  a  degree,  but  continue  as  dark  spots, 
of  which  there  are  eight  on  the  tail.  On  each  side  of  the  body 
is  a  series  of  quite  obscure  blotches. 

The  head  is  immaculate  yellow — the  eye  large  and  golden. 
Beneath,  the  colour  is  immaculate  yellowish-white. 

A  half-grown  specimen  on  exhibition  in  the  reptile  house 
of  the  New  York  Zoological  Park  was  very  handsome.  The 
ground-colour  was  pinkish  and  the  blotches  sooty-black. 

Dimensions. — The  species  probably  attains  a  fair  size — five 
or  six  feet.  The  conformation  is  much  like  that  of  the  Black 
Coluber  (C.  obsoletus).  The  few  specimens  examined  by  the 
writer  have  been  young — under  three  feet  in  length. 

299 


The  Rat  Snakes  or  Colubers 

Distribution. — Thus  far,  taken  only  in  the  Davis  Mountains, 
southwest  of  Pecos,  Texas.  The  species  was  originally  described 
in  1901.  Less  than  a  dozen  specimens  exist  in  collections.  The 
collector  of  all  these  specimens,  Mr.  E.  Meyenberg,  is  dead.  As 
he  collected  all  of  these  specimens  within  a  year's  time,  it  does 
not  seem  probable  that  the  species  is  rare.  It  is  merely  a 
coincidence  that  no  one  has  collected  over  the  territory  where 
Mr.  Meyenberg  did  such  good  work.  Future  collectors  will 
probably  demonstrate  that  this  snake  ranges  well  into  Mexico. 

Habits. — Three  living  specimens  have  been  under  the  writer's 
observation.  They  were  young  and  appeared  to  be  fairly  hardy. 
Mice  and  young  birds  were  readily  devoured.  These  specimens 
spent  most  of  their  time  coiled  in  the  branches  of  a  small  tree  in 
their  cage.  During  the  time  they  lived  in  the  reptile  house  they 
increased  considerably  in  size. 

THE  RED  COLUBER;  CORN  SNAKE;  RED  CHICKEN 
SNAKE;   MOUSE  SNAKE;  SCARLET  RACER; 

HOUSE  SNAKE 
Coluber  guttatus,  (Linn.) 

Moderately  stout  with  a  proportionately  small  head.  The 
scales  are  faintly  keeled.  Attains  a  length  of  six  feet. 

Colouration. — One  of  the  most  beautiful  of  North  American 
serpents,  the  species  is  easily  recognised.  The  ground-colour 
is  pale  red.  On  the  back  is  a  series  of  large,  crimson  saddles 
narrowly  bordered  with  black;  on  many  specimens  there  is  a 
narrow  white  margin  outside  of  the  black;  on  each  side  of  the 
body  is  a  smaller  series  of  similar  blotches  and  beneath  this  a 
yet  smaller  series  which  terminates  at  the  edges  of  the  abdominal 
plates  and  shows  more  of  an  orange  hue  than  red. 

In  bold  contrast  to  the  markings  of  the  upper  surface,  the 
abdomen  is  white  with  large  black  squares. 

On  the  neck  and  immediately  behind  the  head  is  a  red  blotch 
extending  forward  in  two  branches  to  the  top  of  the  head  and 
thence  forward  to  form  a  wedge-shaped  marking  terminating 
between  the  eyes.  A  red  stripe  crosses  the  forehead  and  from 
behind  each  eye  runs  a  line  of  similar  colour,  bordered  with  black 
and  terminating  at  the  angle  of  the  mouth.  The  plates  of  the 
upper  and  lower  lips  are  whitish,  with  black  borders. 

300 


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t/3  •£ 

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THE  REPTILE  BOOK 


PLATE  XCVI 


CORN  SNAKE,  Coluber  gullatus 

One  of  the  handsomest  of  the  North  American  snakes.     The  blotches  on  the  back  are  rich  scarlet.     Valuable  in  destroying 
rats  and  mice.     Inhabits  the  southeastern  part  of  the  United  States 


SMOOTH-SCALED  COLUBER,  Rhinechis  elegans 
The  food  consists  of  small  rodents.     This  species  is  confined  to  the  states  in  the  Southwest 


The  Rat  Snakes  or  Colubers 

Variations. — As  is  the  case  with  most  of  the  Colubers,  this 
species  displays  a  certain  amount  of  variation,  both  in  colour 
and  pattern,  but  not  to  a  sufficient  extent  and  constancy  to 
warrant  the  naming  of  distinct  varieties.  One  sub-species — 
variety — has  been  described,*  but  as  specimens  of  intermediate 
pattern  are  continually  being  found,  it  is  unworthy  of  separate 
recognition.  At  the  time  of  compiling  this  description,  the  writer 
has  a  living  specimen  representing  this  variety,  before  him. 
The  crimson  saddles  of  the  back  are  very  large  and  the  blotches 
of  the  sides  are  so  obscure  that  they  can  be  made  out  only  when 
the  light  strikes  the  specimen  at  a  certain  angle.  Some  spec- 
imens have  a  yellowish  ground-colour  and  on  these  the  crimson 
blotches  are  in  vivid  contrast.  The  ground-colour  varies  from 
pale  red,  into  various  shades  of  yellow,  brown  or  gray.  With 
occasional  specimens  the  blotches  of  the  sides  fuse  into  an  irreg- 
ular band.  These  phases  of  colouration  do  not  affect  the  snake 
to  such  an  extent,  however,  that  it  varies  materially  or  is  difficult 
to  recognise. 

Dimensions. — The  average  measurements  are  given: 

Total  Length 51^  inches. 

Length  of  Tail 7^      " 

Greatest  Diameter i  £      " 

Width  of  Head jf     " 

Length  of  Head if      " 

Occasionally,  though  rarely,  much  larger  specimens  are 
found.  The  writer  took  a  specimen  in  South  Carolina,  that 
measured  a  fraction  of  an  inch  over  six  feet  in  length.  The  body 
was  two  inches  in  diameter,  and  the  head  very  small  for  a  snake 
of  this  size — barely  one  and  a  quarter  inches  in  width.  This 
fine  snake  was  found  hiding  in  the  interior  of  a  decayed  and  hol- 
low tree  trunk  that  lay  in  a  perfectly  open,  prairie-like  area. 
In  the  excitement  of  capture  it  disgorged  a  full-grown  quail  or 
"Bob  White."  Although  the  bird  did  not  greatly  distend  the 
reptile's  body,  it  appeared  enormous  in  comparison  with  the 
small  head  of  the  snake. 

Distribution. — The  Corn  Snake  is  found  from  Maryland 
(inclusive  of  the  District  of  Columbia)  westward  to  the  Mississippi 

*  Coluber  guttatus  sellatus,  (Cope),  Desc.  Proc.  U.  S.  National  Mu- 
seum, XI,  1888,  p.  387. 

301 


The  Rat  Snakes  or  Colubers 

River  and  southward  to  the  Gulf  of  Mexico.       It  is  most  abun- 
dant in  the  extreme  Southeastern  States. 

Habits. — Like  the  other  species  of  this  genus,  the  Corn 
Snake  is  an  agile  climber  and  often  ascends  small  trees  in  quest 
of  young  birds,  of  which  it  is  very  fond.  It  also  feeds  largely 
upon  small  rodents,  such  as  rats,  mice  and  small  rabbits  and  in 
consequence  is  a  useful  reptile.  In  captivity  it  always  shows 
an  especial  fondness  for  mice,  which  it  will  take  in  preference 
to  all  other  food. 

This  snake  does  not  appear  to  be  so  arboreal  in  habits  as 
some  of  the  allied  species.  The  majority  of  the  specimens  col- 
lected by  the  writer  were  on  the  ground;  some  lying  in  hollow 
logs  and  others  hiding  in  the  shrubbery.  While  pursuing  a 
sand  lizard  into  some  bushes,  the  writer  discovered  a  large  spec- 
imen in  the  act  of  devouring  a  quail,  which  it  had  undoubtedly 
stalked  from  the  undergrowth  in  which  the  snake  had  been 
secreted. 

When  surprised,  the  Corn  Snake  does  not  ordinarily  try  to 
get  away,  but  partially  coiling,  strikes  quickly  and  viciously, 
uttering,  at  each  stroke  of  the  head,  a  sharp,  short  hiss.  In 
fact,  these  snakes  and  the  related  species  are  not  able  to  get 
over  open  ground  with  any  great  show  of  speed.  If  foraging, 
and  the  enemy  is  sighted  from  a  distance,  they  will  invariably 
glide  for  safety,  making  for  the  nearest  brush,  but  if  coiled,  they 
do  not  generally  attempt  to  escape.  Either  lazy  or  imagining 
quiet  is  a  better  safeguard  than  flight,  they  lie  alert,  with  quiver- 
ing tongue,  watching  developments.  Generally  speaking,  the 
Corn  Snake  and  its  allies  are  bold  and  powerful  reptiles,  showing 
considerable  bravery  when  cornered,  and  little  of  the  hysterical 
rush  and  fluster  of  most  snakes  when  taken  unawares. 

The  species  receives  its  name  from  a  habit  of  frequenting 
fields  of  growing  corn.  Its  presence  there  is  significant  when 
we  consider  that  numerous  rodents  collect  in  such  places  to 
feed  upon  the  grain.  In  some  localities  the  reptile  is  regarded 
as  useful  and  harmless,  and  its  life  is  generally  spared.  In  one 
district  of  this  kind,  the  species  was  known  as  the  "mouse 
snake."  Many  specimens  were  unearthed  by  the  ploughs,  during 
the  early  spring,  showing  that  in  this  area — Hampton  County, 
South  Carolina — these  serpents  passed  the  mild  winter  in  burrows 
in  the  fields. 

302 


The  Rat  Snakes  or  Colubers 

In  captivity  the  Corn  Snake  soon  becomes  very  tame, 
its  good  temper  combining  with  the  beautiful  colouration,  in 
making  it  an  attractive  pet.  The  species  frequently  breeds 
when  captive  and  is  oviparous,  depositing  from  one  to  two  dozen 
yellowish-white  eggs.  These  should  be  placed  in  dampened 
wood-pulp  in  an  ordinary  living  room  temperature  and  will 
hatch  within  a  period  varying  from  six  to  eight  weeks. 

THE  PILOT  BLACKSNAKE;   MOUNTAIN   BLACKSNAKE  ; 

THE   BLACK  COLUBER 

Coluber  obsoletus,  (Say.) 

One  of  the  largest  species.  The  form  is  quite  stout  and 
the  head  is  rather  square  in  outline — flat  at  the  snout.  On  the 
back,  the  scales  are  feebly  keeled,  but  the  entire  body  is  smooth 
and  glossy  in  appearance. 

Colouration. — Lustrous  black  above.  When  the  skin  is 
distended  the  edges  of  the  scales  show  narrow,  milk-white  edges, 
existing  profusely  in  regular  order  and  causing  the  black  to  appear 
as  if  arranged  in  a  series  of  large  blotches  on  the  back  and  sides. 
These  white,  line-like  spots  are  sometimes  mixed  with  spots  of 
bright  red  and  on  such  specimens  the  skin  between  the  scales  is 
of  a  rich  brick-red. 

The  upper  portion  of  the  head  is  black;  the  upper  lip  plates 
are  white,  margined  with  black;  the  chin  and  throat  are  immacu- 
late white.  On  the  forward  part  of  the  body  the  abdomen  is 
white,  blotched  with  gray;  on  the  latter  portion  the  gray  fuses 
over  the  entire  surface. 

When  examined  in  a  brilliant  light,  from  certain  angles, 
many  specimens  appear  to  be  of  a  dark,  rich  brown,  on  which 
body-colour  may  be  clearly  discerned  the  four  dark  bands,  ex- 
tending the  length  of  the  body,  that  characterise  the  Yellow 
Chicken  Snake,  C.  obsoletus,  variety  quadrivittatus.  Young 
specimens  are  grayish  or  brownish,  boldy  marked  with  saddles 
of  black  or  dark  brown. 

Variations. — The  species  exhibits  great  variation.  The 
typical  form  is  found  over  a  wide  area  of  the  eastern  United 
States.  In  the  Central  States  and  the  southeastern  United 
States,  a  gray  variety,  blotched  with  dark  brown  occurs.  Also 
inhabiting  the  southeastern  United  States  is  the  Four-banded 

303 


The  Rat  Snakes  or  Colubers 

Coluber.    These  distinct  varieties  will  be  treated  under  separate 
heads  in  the  succeeding  pages. 

The  typical  Pilot  Blacksnake  is  a  serpent  often  confused 
with  the  Common  Blacksnake  or  Racer  (Bascanion  constrictor), 
a  reptile  to  which  it  bears  little  resemblance  except  in  presenting 
a  generally  black  appearance.  The  difference  between  these 
snakes  may  be  briefly  outlined  for  the  student's  convenience, 
thus: 

a.  Scales  keeled  and  polished.       ~] 

b.  Head  broad  and  square.  !  Pilot  Blacksnake, 

c.  Black,  with  white  spots  on  the  f     Coluber  obsoletus. 

edge  of  the  scales  J 

a.  Scales  smooth,  witb  satiny  lustre.  |  Blacksnake;  Racer, 

b.  Head  narrow.  >     D 

c.  Uniform  black.  J      Bascanum  constrictor. 

The  Pilot  Blacksnake  is  by  no  means  as  abundant  a  serpent 
as  the  Racer. 

Dimensions. — Occasional  specimens  are  seven  and  eight 
feet  long,  but  they  considerably  exceed  the  average  dimensions. 
The  measurements  of  a  fine  specimen,  taken  in  Sullivan  County, 
New  York,  are  given: 

Total  Length 5  feet,  6£  inches. 

Length  of  Tail 1 1  \     " 

Greatest  Diameter i£     " 

Width  of  Head ij 

Length  of  Head 2 

Distribution. — Massachusetts  to  Florida.  Westward  in  the 
North  to  Illinois,  and  ranging  in  the  South  into  Texas.  In  the 
Northern  States  this  snake  frequents  mountainous  places. 

Habits. — A  fine  specimen  captured  by  the  writer,  was  sunning 
itself  by  an  opening  in  the  masonry  of  the  "Stone  Bridge,"  over 
Bull  Run  Creek,  Virginia.  Heavily  laden  with  fragments  of 
shells  after  a  trip  over  the  historic  battlegrounds,  the  writer 
was  startled  to  see  the  glittering  black  length  of  the  reptile  as 
it  lay  on  the  red  dust  of  the  road.  Dropping  his  souvenirs,  he 
rushed  for  the  snake,  which,  being  in  the  immediate  vicinity  of 
escape,  started  off.  By  the  time  the  snake  had  been  firmly  grasped 
by  the  tail,  it  was  a  third  of  its  length  secreted  in  a  crevice  of  the 
masonry,  and  nothing  but  long,  patient  and  persistent  work  suc- 

3°4 


THE  REPTILE  BOOK 


PLATE  XCVII 


1,  4    Smooth-scaled1  Coluber,  Rhineehis  elegans.    Arizona. 
5,  6    Pine  Snake,  Pituophis  melanoleucus.     New  Jersey  phase. 


2,  3     Pine  Snake,  Pituophis  mclanoleittr,s.     Flori 
7,  8    Bull  Snake,  Pituophis  catenijer.    v 


THE  REPTILE  BOOK 


PLATE  XCVIII 


COMMON'  PINE  SNAKE,  Pituophis  melanoleucus 
Found  in  the  dry  pine  forests  of  the  eastern  region,  from  New  Jersey  southward.      Grows  to  a  length  of  8  feet  and  hisses  loudly  when  angered 


PINE  SNAKE,  Pituophis  melanoleaeiis — Southern  phase 
Differs  from  the  Northern  phase  in  having  brownish  in  place  of  blackish  blotches.      A  powerful  constrictor  feeding  principally  upon  rodents 


The  Rat  Snakes  or  Coluber* 

ceeded  in  getting  it  out  again,  when,  with  commendable  bravery, 
it  turned  on  its  captor  and  fought  vigorously.  A  negro,  passing 
down  the  turnpike  and  carrying  a  scythe,  came  suddenly  upon 
the  exciting  spectacle  of  a  man,  snake  and  cannon  shells  very 
much  mixed  up,  and  at  once  offered  to  engage  the  snake  with  his 
weapon.  What  would  have  happened  to  the  serpent  if  the  man 
with  the  scythe  had  arrived  at  the  bridge  before  the  writer,  is  not 
difficult  to  guess.  An  hour  later  this  snake  was  taken  from  a 
bag  and  exhibited  to  the  wondering  family  of  a  farmer.  The 
creature  had  entirely  cast  aside  its  hostile  airs,  and  submitted 
to  handling  with  perfect  docility. 

The  Pilot  Blacksnake,  though  an  admirable  climber  is  not 
so  partial  to  arboreal  situations  as  some  of  the  colubers.  Other- 
wise its  habits  are  much  the  same  as  the  allied  species.  It  de- 
posits a.  like  number  of  eggs. 

The  serpent  receives  its  name — Pilot  Blacksnake — from  the 
fallacious  idea  that  it  warns  the  poisonous  snakes  (the  rattlesnake 
and  the  copperhead)  of  the  approach  of  danger  and  leads  them 
away  to  safety.  This  superstition  has  probably  arisen  from  the 
fact  that  the  species  is  found  in  places  frequented  by  the  danger- 
ous snakes  in  question.  In  the  North  it  displays  a  marked  pref- 
erence for  mountain  ledges,  so  commonly  the  abodes  of  the 
banded  rattlesnake.  Here  it  may  be  found  stretched  upon  low 
bushes,  from  which  it  throws  itself  when  surprised,  with  a  remark- 
able display  of  agility,  then  glides  quickly  among  crevices  in  the 
rock  to  safety.  A  fine  specimen,  slightly  over  six  feet  in  length 
and  captured  in  Sullivan  County,  New  York,  was  taken  on  the 
Half-moon  Ledge,  a  place  notorious  for  rattlesnakes;  it  dis- 
gorged a  well-grown  "cotton-tail"  rabbit.  At  the  time  it  exuded 
a  strong-smelling  secretion  from  glands  near  the  tail;  the  power- 
ful, musky  odour  penetrated  the  clothes  of  Messrs.  Dove  and 
Pearsall,  who  captured  the  snake,  and  remained  for  some  hours, 
although  these  gentlemen  explain  that  when  afterward  being 
handled  the  serpent  showed  no  signs  of  using  the  scent-glands. 
It  became  very  tame  as  a  captive,  climbing  out  and  over  one's 
shoulders  when  the  door  of  its  cage  was  opened.  No  amount  of 
teasing  could  induce  it  to  bite,  although  if  startled  it  would 
frequently  vibrate  the  tail,  the  tip  of  which  would  beat  a  rapid 
tattoo  on  the  side  of  the  cage.  Some  specimens  are  very  erratic 
and  nervous.  In  fact  the  majority  of  the  writer's  specimens 

3°5 


The  Rat  Snakes  or  colubers 

could  not  be  trusted.  A  specimen  4  feet  long  deposited  10  eggs 
on  the  26th  of  June.  The  eggs  were  2  inches  long  and  |  of  an 
inch  in  diameter. 

LINDHEIMER'S  COLUBER 
Coluber  obsoletus,  variety  lindbeimeri,  (B.  &  G.) 

Larger  in  size  than  the  typical  (preceding)  form.  Head 
flat  and  square;  the  eyes  large. 

Colouration. — The  pattern  is  difficult  to  describe.  It  might 
be  explained  as  an  extreme  development  of  the  tendency  for  the 
scales  to  show  pale  edges — this  being  explained  in  connection 
with  the  preceding  serpent.  There  is  a  series  of  large,  blue-black 
blotches  on  the  back  and  a  smaller  series  on  the  sides;  within 
these  blotches  the  skin  between  the  scales  is  of  much  the  same 
hue  as  the  blotches  themselves.  Between  the  blotches  the  greater 
number  of  scales  have  bright  yellow  edges  and  blue-black  centres; 
mixed  with  these  scales  are  others  that  have  bright  red  edges; 
the  skin  between  the  scales  may  be  brick-red  or  yellowish. 

The  upper  surface  of  the  head  is  black;  the  lip  plates  white. 

Dimensions. — Attains  a  length  of  eight  feet.  The  general 
conformation  is  similar  to  the  typical  form. 

Distribution. — Texas . 

Habits  -When  first  captive  these  snakes  are  vicious,  vibrat- 
ing the  taii  and  striking  with  a  sharp  hiss.  They  soon  become 
moderately  tame  but  can  seldom  he  trusted  as  they  are  nervous 
and  resent  undue  familiarity. 

A  large  specimen  in  the  writer's  collection  thrived  for  six 
years'  time,  when  it  unfortunately  escaped.  This  snake  was 
very  fond  of  rats  and  would  devour  from  four  to  six  full-grown 
individuals  at  a  meal.  It  would  also  eat  half-grown  rabbits, 
pigeons,  young  chickens  and  sparrows.  In  addition  *to  this 
varied  fare,  it  exhibited — like  all  the  colubers — a  decided  fondness 
for  eggs.  Six  or  eight  of  these  (hen's  eggs)  would  be  greedily 
consumed,  but,  unlike  the  bull  snakes  (Pituophis),  which  crush 
the  shells  in  the  throat  and  swallow  the  fragments,  this  serpent 
usually  swallowed  the  eggs  entire.  It  showed  a  decided  antipathy 
to  dampness  and  after  the  cage  had  been  washed  would  glide 
about  uneasily  until  it  was  thoroughly  dry — nor  would  the  snake 
eat,  if  the  cage  was  the  least  bit  damp.  It  was  after  the  cage 

306 


The  Rat  Snakes  or  Colubers 

had  been  washed  and  the  snake  was  very  restless,  that  the  reptile 
escaped,  by  prying  back  one  of  the  sliding  doors. 

The  room  was  searched-  when  it  was  discovered  that  the 
snake  had  escaped  from  the  window,  carrying  several  flower  pots 
with  it,  which  were  found  broken  in  the  yard  beneath.  A  careful 
detour  of  the  neighborhood  resulted  in  no  trace  of  the  reptile. 
After  several  months'  time  it  was  discovered  in  a  cellar,  about 
half  a  mile  away  from  the  writer's  home.  A  general  alarm 
spread  quickly,  but  failed  to  reach  the  owner  in  time  to  rescue 
the  snake.  Before  he  arrived  upon  the  scene  a  party  armed  with 
several  shotguns  and  revolvers  had  killed  the  "monster"  and 
incidentally  broken  considerable  glass.  Into  a  cellar  reeking 
with  gunpowder  fumes,  the  writer  was  directed  by  a  corps  of 
indignant  neighbours.  The  mangled  reptile  appeared  to  be  very 
stout  and  well-nourished.  A  mild  suggestion  to  the  effect  that 
the  snake  was  perfectly  harmless,  and  had  been  ridding  the  place 
of  rats  and  mice,  was  met  by  an  emphatic  explanation  that  the 
use  of  traps  composed  a  more  dignified  method  of  dealing  with 
the  pests. 

THE  GRAY  COLUBER;  GRAY  RAT  SNAKE; 

SPOTTED  CHICKEN  SNAKE 
Coluber  obsoletus,  variety  confinis,  (B.  &  G.) 

Size  and  conformation  like  the  typical  form.  This  variety 
represents  a  phase  on  which  the  markings  of  the  young  are  re- 
tained with  maturity. 

Colouration. — Pale  gray,  with  a  series  of  large,  dark  brown 
saddles  on  the  back;  on  the  neck  these  blotches  are  long  and 
send  out  narrow  extensions  from  their  corners,  thus  assuming 
an  H-shaped  formation.  On  each  side  of  the  body  is  a  series 
of  smaller  blotches,  and  beneath  this  another,  smaller  series — 
at  the  edges  of  the  abdominal  plates. 

On  the  back  and  the  sides,  numerous  scales  show  white 
edges  when  the  skin  is  distended,  as  seen  on  the  typical  form— 
the  Pilot  Blacksnake.  The  head  is  gray,  dotted  with  black. 
There  is  often  a  dark  band  in  front  of  the  eyes  and  usually  a 
wide,  dark  band  from  behind  each  eye  to  the  angle  of  the  mouth. 
The  lip  plates  are  white,  bordered  with  black.  The  eye  is  sil- 
very. 

307 


The  Rat  Snakes  or  Colubers 

On  the  forward  portion  of  the  body  the  abdomen  is  white 
irregularly  blotched  and  peppered  with  gray;  on  the  latter  por- 
tion the  abdomen  is  uniform,  dark  gray. 

Dimensions. — Total  Length 4  feet,  9^  inches. 

Length  of  Tail 1 1 

Greatest  Diameter 1 1 

Width  of  Head i 

Length  of  Head if 

Distribution. — The  variety  occurs  from  Virginia  to  Florida 
(inclusive)  in  the  East  and  is  quite  common  in  North  and  South 
Carolina.  It  extends  westward  to  the  eastern  boundary  of 
Kansas  and  occurs  in  Arkansas  and  eastern  Texas. 

Habits. — Like  the  Pilot  Blacksnake. 

THE  FOUR-BANDED  COLUBER;  BANDED  CHICKEN 
SNAKE;  YELLOW  CHICKEN  SNAKE;  YELLOW 

RAT  SNAKE;  STRIPED  HOUSE  SNAKE 
Coluber  obsoletus,  variety  quadrivittatus,  (Holbrook) 

This  snake  attains  a  length  of  six  and  seven  feet,  but  its 
body  is  more  slender  than  that  of  the  typical  form. 

Colouration. — Bright  yellow,  pale  brown  or  olive,  with  four 
dark  brown  or  black  stripes — two  on  the  back  and  one  on  each 
side  of  the  body. 

The  stripes  on  the  sides  are  usually  the  width  of  two  rows 
of  scales;  those  on  the  back  slightly  wider  than  the  one  row  of 
scales  they  cover. 

The  preceding  description  appeals  only  to  the  adult  snake. 
With  the  young  Four-banded  Coluber,  we  have  an  admirable 
example  of  one  of  a  number  of  species  of  serpents  that  undergo 
a  complete  colour  transformation  while  attaining  maturity. 

Upon  hatching,  a  snake  of  this  variety  exhibits  a  vivid 
pattern,  and  like  that  of  the  adult  of  the  Gray  Coluber — Coluber 
obsoletus,  variety  confinis.  From  this  pale  gray  phase,  with  dark 
brown  blotches  it  gradually  transforms  into  a  yellow  snake, 
with  longitudinal  stripes. 

Growth  and  Colour  Transition. — One  of  a  freshly  deposited 
batch  of  eggs  from  a  snake  of  this  kind  measures  ij  inches  in 
length,  and  £  of  an  inch  in  diameter.  It  weighs  exactly  I  dram 
and  47  grains.  (Fig.  Batch  of  Eggs,  with  rule.)  Before 

308 


The  Rat  Snakes  or  Colubers 

hatching,  about  six  weeks  later,  the  eggs  have  increased  a  third 
in  size  and  weight,  owing  to  the  constant  absorption  of  moisture 
during  the  growth  of  the  embryo.  When  the  eggs  are  deposited 
they  contain  an  almost  thread-like  embryo,  coiled  like  the  hair- 
spring of  a  watch  and  with  an  enormous  head — in  comparison 
to  the  thin  body.  The  little  creature  is  soft,  almost  jelly-like 
and  devoid  of  all  signs  of  life.  On  opening  one  of  the  eggs  about 
three  weeks  after  deposition,  the  young  snake  is  found  to  be  rapidly 
developing  and  well-formed;  it  is  white  and  with  large, 
lumpy  head.  At  this  time  the  scales  of  the  body  may  be 
clearly  seen.  The  body  is  translucent  and  the  heart  and  larger 
blood  vessels  are  vividly  apparent,  the  former  beating  steadily. 
The  young  snake  displays  traces  of  life  by  occasional  twitchings 
of  the  body.  If  kept  moist,  it  will  live  for  about  half  an  hour 
after  being  removed  from  the  egg. 

When  an  egg  of  the  same  batch  is  opened  two  weeks  later 
the  young  snake  is  found  to  be  perfectly  formed  and  exhibiting 
a  distinct  pattern.  The  eggs  hatch  six  or  eight  weeks  after 
deposit. 

A  freshly  hatched  snake  of  this  variety  is  about  12$  inches 
long.  So  different  is  the  pattern  from  that  of  the  adult  that  the 
novice  might  reasonably  pronounce  it  to  be  an  entirely  different 
reptile.  Indeed  the  pattern  is  exactly  the  reverse  from  the 
make-up  of  the  mature  snake. 

The  little  snake  emerges  from  the  egg  in  August  or  early 
in  September  and  the  pattern  remains  much  the  same  until 
well  into  the  following  summer,  by  which  time  the  reptile  has 
increased  from  a  foot  in  length  to  a  measurement  of  about  a 
yard.  The  body  has  acquired  the  characteristic  yellow  of  the 
parent,  although  this  ground-colour  is  possibly  darker  than 
with  maturity.  Along  the  borders  of  the  larger  blotches  of 
the  back  run  two  smoky  and  indistinct  stripes.  Between 
the  blotches  on  the  sides  has  appeared  a  dull,  smoky  hue,  in- 
distinctly fusing  these  together.  Although  the  stripes  of  the 
parent  have  thus  intimated  their  presence,  the  reptile  still  pre- 
sents a  blotched  aspect  quite  different  from  the  parent.  It  yet 
remains,  and  essentially,  a  spotted  snake.  In  the  late  spring  of 
the  next  year  it  will  be  observed  to  be  much  altered.  The  spots 
of  the  sides  have  been  obliterated  under  a  dark  and  unbroken 
band.  On  each  side  of  the  large  saddles  of  the  back — now  of 

3°9 


The  Rat  Snakes  or  Colubers 

a  pale  olive  hue — is  a  distinct  and  dark  band.  At  this  stage 
the  reptile  may  be  said  to  display  the  patterns  of  both  the  young 
and  adult  phases.  From  this  period,  the  ground-colour  steadily 
becomes  paler,  the  blotches  more  obscure  and  the  bands  more 
vivid.  The  length  of  time,  to  complete  this  transition,  varies 
with  the  individual.  Captivity  retards  the  process.  The 
writer  believes  that  the  wild  reptile  has  completed  the 
change  within  a  period  of  slightly  less  than  three  years. 
A  captive  specimen,  which  upon  arrival  showed  both  the 
spots  and  stripes,  changed  its  pattern  considerably  by  the 
fading  of  the  former,  during  eight  months'  time,  when,  unfor- 
tunately, it  was  killed  by  a  larger  snake  and  the  observations 
brought  to  a  close. 

The  length  of  the  adult  Four-banded  Coluber  is  slightly 
over  five  feet  and  usually  specimens  of  this  size  are  striped  on  a 
body-colour  of  uniform  yellow.  At  the  time  of  writing,  however, 
an  interesting  individual  is  at  hand.  It  is  nearly  six  feet  in 
length,  and  strikingly  blotched,  while  it  displays  the  stripes  as 
well.  Two  other  specimens,  neither  over  three  and  a  half  feet 
long,  are  banded  and  show  no  traces  of  the  blotches.  These 
exceptions  may  be  accounted  for  by  the  influence  of  certain 
food  on  the  snake's  growth.  The  large  (blotched)  specimen, 
probably  hatched  in  a  locality  where  food  for  all  stages  of  its 
growth  was  plentiful  and  it  so  rapidly  increased  in  size 
that  the  dimensions  of  a  large,  adult  individual  were  at- 
tained before  the  pattern  had  been  given  sufficient  time  to 
go  through  its  transition.  The  small  snakes,  to  the  contrary, 
evidently  hatched  in  a  locality  offering  little  variety  of  food; 
their  growth  was  thus  stunted  although  time  effected  the  change 
in  colouration. 

It  is  from  the  pattern  of  the  young  of  the  Four-banded 
Coluber,  that  we  trace  the  relationship  of  this  snake  to  the  Pilot 
Blacksnake,  which,  as  has  been  explained,  appears  dark  brown 
when  examined  from  certain  angles  in  a  brilliant  sunlight  and 
exhibits  traces  of  four  dark  bands. 

Dimensions. — Adult  specimens  are  quite  variable  in  size. 
The  writer  has  had  many  specimens  under  four  feet  long  that 
laid  fertile  eggs.  He  has  also  examined  specimens  considerably 
over  five  feet  in  length.  Following  are  the  measurements  of 
the  average  adult: 

310 


The  Rat  Snakes  or  Colubers 

Total  Length 5  feet    2    inches. 

Length  of  Tail 12 

Greatest  Diameter i^     " 

Width  of  Head i  J     " 

Length  of  Head if     " 

Distribution. — The  southeastern  United  States,  from  eastern 
North  Carolina  southward  throughout  Florida,  and  westward, 
in  the  South,  to  the  Mississippi.  The  majority  of  specimens  are 
found  in  the  coastal  region,  and  the  variety  is  particularly  abun- 
dant in  South  Carolina,  Georgia  and  Florida.  The  largest  spec- 
imens come  from  Florida. 

Habits  of  the  Chicken  Snake 

This  snake  is  quite  arboreal  in  habits.  The  writer  has  ob- 
served specimens  at  a  considerable  height,  in  large,  live-oak 
trees.  The  majority  of  the  specimens  captured  were  in  trees 
or  among  the  rafters  of  cabins.  One  was  discovered  coiled  in  a 
hollow  of  a  live-oak  formed  by  an  abrupt  forking  of  the  larger 
branches.  This  fork  in  the  tree  was  fully  twelve  feet  from  the 
ground,  while  the  trunk  of  the  tree  was  straight  and  smooth 
for  this  distance  without  visible  means  for  the  snake  to  ascend 
from  the  ground.  The  tree  was  isolated  from  others  and  the 
discovery  of  the  snake  was  incidental  to  a  search  for  a  mocking 
bird's  nest — a  ladder  having  been  placed  against  the  trunk  as  a 
means  of  ascent.  Another  specimen  was  seen  lying  stretched 
upon  a  branch  at  least  twenty-five  feet  from  the  ground.  When 
pebbles  and  chips  were  tossed  at  the  snake,  it  retreated  along 
the  branch  to  the  trunk,  which  was  of  considerable  diameter, 
and  there  glided  quickly  into  a  hollow.  This  snake  was  seen 
frequently,  sunning  upon  the  same  branch.  A  large  snake  caught 
by  the  writer's  guide,  was  crossing  the  moist  ground  of  a  cypress 
swamp,  which  had  the  reputation  of  being  the  lurking  place  of 
huge  Chicken  Snakes.  Several  other  specimens  of  large  size 
were  taken  there.  All  were  prowling  on  the  surface  of  the  swamp. 

The  species  often  makes  its  abode  in  the  rafters  of  stables 
or  poultry  sheds.  In  such  places  it  finds  an  abundance  of  mice 
or  rats,  thougli  it  does  not  hesitate  to  devour  young  chickens,  or 
six  to  eight  eggs,  swallowing  them  entire,  but  as  the  eggs 
pass  about  fourteen  inches  down  the  reptile's  neck  that  portion 
of  the  body  is  pressed  against  the  ground  and  by  a  strong  and 

3" 


The  Rat  Snakes  or  Colubers 

steady  contraction  of  the  swallowing  muscles,  the  shell  of  each 
egg  is  broken;  the  fragments  are  swallowed  together  with  the 
contents  of  the  eggs,  and  are  digested.  Although  all  of  the 
colubers  show  a  fondness  for  eggs  and  swallow  them  in  this  man- 
ner, the  present  species  is  peculiar  in  being  frequently  discovered 
in  the  neighborhood  of  the  poultry  yards;  hence  its  name — the 
Chicken  Snake.  In  this  habit  of  preying  upon  domestic  poultry 
and  the  eggs,  the  reptile  is  rivalled  by  the  Pilot  Blacksnake 
(Coluber  obsoletus),  which,  in  some  parts  of  the  South  is  called  the 
Black  Chicken  Snake. 

Bold,  and  comparatively  fearless  as  compared  with  most 
serpents,  the  Chicken  Snake  will  frequently  move  lazily  away 
if  surprised,  or  if  cornered,  will  turn  and  strike  viciously,  assuming 
a  position  with  head  and  neck  raised  some  distance  from  the 
ground,  the  neck  in  a  close  S-loop,  ready  for  a  long  thrust  of  the 
head  in  the  direction  of  the  creature's  anger.  At  such  times 
the  tail  is  so  rapidly  shaken  that  the  tip  appears  blurred  and 
produces  a  distinct  whirring  sound. 

When  overpowered  and  held  by  the  neck  this  serpent  emits  a 
strong,  and  to  many  a  very  offensive  odour,  coming  from  a  secre- 
tion in  glands  at  the  base  of  the  tail  and  voluntarily  ejected.  The 
secretion  is  white  and  viscid  and  at  once  suggests  the  strong  odour 
about  the  quarters  of  a  captive  fox.  Many  snakes  have  this 
character  in  making  themselves  offensive  to  man,  but  it  exists 
among  different  kinds  to  a  greater  or  less  degree,  the  colubers 
and  the  water  snakes  being  particularly  noteworthy.  It  is  be- 
lieved that  these  scent  glands  are  primarily  of  use  during  the 
breeding  season,  when  one  reptile  may  easily  follow  the  trail  or 
scent  of  another.  Captive  specimens  of  the  Chicken  Snake 
become  tame  and  when  accustomed  to  being  handled  never  emit 
the  powerful  odour  described.  They  feed  entirely  upon  warm- 
blooded prey  and  eggs,  always  killing  the  former  by  constriction 
before  swallowing  it.  Very  young  specimens,  are  less  particular. 
They  will  eat  small  frogs,  the  grubs  of  beetles,  and  are  canni- 
balistic. A  captive  a  few  weeks  old,  swallowed  several  young 
garter  snakes. 

The  species  is  oviparous,  depositing  about  two  dozen  eggs 
during  June  or  July.  A  large  specimen  deposited  twenty-two 
eggs  under  a  piece  of  bark  in  her  cage,  on  the  2jth  of  July.  To 
make  a  snug  nest  for  the  eggs,  she  crawled  under  the  bark  and 

312 


The  Rat  Snakes  or  Colubers 


skilfully  burrowed  out  a  hollow  in  the  gravel  by  pushing  it  out 
with  the  sides  of  her  body.  This  shovelling  process  consumed 
fully  an  hour.  The  eggs  adhered  in  a  cluster  and  for  long  intervals 
the  snake  would  coil  under  the  bank  and  over  the  eggs  as  if  to 
protect  them.  Eleven  weeks  after,  these  eggs  began  to  hatch. 


The  theory  of  fascination  as  relating  to  snakes  is  interesting 
from  the  standpoint  of  the  many  sensational  stories  emanating 
from  the  belief  that  the  reptiles  exert  a  hypnotic  power  in  obtain- 
ing birds  and  small  mammals.  Certain  observers  insist  that 
they  have  seen  the  snake  robbing  a  bird's  nest  and  after  the 
young  have  been  swallowed,  the  parents  fluttered  closer  and 
closer,  seemingly  drawn  toward  the  reptile's  jaws  by  an  irresistible 
power  to  finally  share  the  fate  of  the  offspring.  But  this  is 
easily  explained. 

When  a  snake  robs  a  nest  there  is  naturally  a  display  of 
defence  on  the  part  of  the  old  birds.  In  their  persistent  efforts 
to  drive  the  intruder  away,  they  are  frequently  bold  enough  in 
their  advances  to  peck  at  the  snake's  head,  when  they  are  seized 
and  eaten.  The  fluttering  toward  the  snake  displays  merely 
the  parent's  frenzied  attempts  to  protect  the  home  and  young. 

There  are  few  of  us  that  have  gone  into  the  woods  that  have 
not  noticed  the  fluster  raised  by  the  parent  birds  when  an  intruder 
approaches  the  nest.  Flying  down  from  branch  to  branch,  until 
they  are  but  a  few  feet  over  one's  head,  they  watch  every  move- 
ment of  the  person  beneath.  Their  actions  are  very  similar  to 
those  displayed  in  the  case  of  the  prowling  snake,  only  from  the 
human,  they  naturally  keep  a  greater  distance — with  the  reptile 
they  are  much  bolder. 

While  rowing  along  a  creek  in  Connecticut,  the  writer  ob- 
served an  example  of  "charming"  on  the  part  of  a  snake.  Hear- 
ing a  great  chatter  raised  by  a  blackbird,  he  beheld  a  large  water 
snake  stretched  lazily  on  a  bush  and  within  a  few  feet  of  the 
bird's  nest.  Water  snakes  do  not  eat  birds  and  the  serpent  had 
climbed  into  the  bush  for  the  sole  purpose  of  a  sun-bath.  Flut- 
tering back  and  forth  in  front  of  the  reptile,  the  mother  en- 
deavoured to  drive  the  serpent  away,  but  to  no  avail.  At  length 
she  flew  directly  toward  the  intruder  and  perched  upon  a  branch 
not  a  foot  from  the  snake's  head,  where  she  danced  about  and 


The  Rat  Snakes  or  Colubers 

raised  such  a  disturbance  that  the  water  snake  slid  disgustedly 
into  the  stream  and  swam  away  to  hunt  another  resting  place. 
If  the  serpent  had  been  a  bird-eating  species,  it  could  easily  have 
grasped  the  foolish  parent  and  made  a  meal  of  her. 

The  Genus  Rhinechis:  Containing  a  single  species,  this 
genus  appears  to  stand  midway  between  the  colubers  and  the 
Bull  Snakes — Pituophis.  Scales  smooth,  in  27  to  31  rows;  ven- 
tral plate  entire.  Snout  projecting,  owing  to  the  enlarged  ros- 
tral plate.  Size  moderate;  head  rather  pointed  and  not  very 
distinct.  Body  moderately  stout. 

Above,  the  rostral  plate  extends  backward,  between  the 
two  plates  that  follow  it,  as  with  Pituophis. 

THE  SMOOTH-SCALED  COLUBER 

Rhinechis  elegans,  (Kenn.) 

Colouration. — Pale  brown  or  reddish-yellow  above,  with  a 
central  series  of  transverse  brown  spots,  eight  to  nine  scales 
wide  and  edged  with  darker  brown  or  black;  two  alternating 
series  of  smaller  spots  on  each  side,  the  lower  one  indistinct; 
abdomen  immaculate  white  or  yellow. 

A  dark  streak  from  the  eye  to  the  angle  of  the  mouth;  a 
few  dots  on  the  forward  lip  plates;  top  of  head  with  obscure 
spots  or  bands. 

Dimensions. — A  large  specimen  is  about  three  and  a  half 
feet  long;  the  tail  of  such  an  example  would  be  about  six  inches 
in  length. 

Distribution. — Central  Texas  to  southern  California;  north- 
ern Mexico. 


CHAPTER  XXXIII:    THE  BULL  SNAKES 
GENUS  PITUOPHIS 

Large  Constricting  Snakes  that  are  Closely  Allied  to  the  Rat  Snakes. 
Descriptions  of  the  Three  North  American  Species.     Their  Habits 

CLOSELY  related  to  the  fine  reptiles  of  the  preceding  genus, 
are  the  Bull  Snakes — Genus  Pituophis,  which,  possessing  sharply 
pointed  snouts,  differ  in  this  conformation  from  the  square,  flat 
heads  of  the  colubers.  The  scales  of  the  back  are  moderately 
keeled,  while  those  of  the  sides  are  smooth  and  polished. 

The  species  of  this  genus  probably  attain  the  greatest  size 
of  any  of  the  North  American  harmless  snakes.  Their  large  size, 
pointed  head,  and  colouration — yellow  or  white,  with  dark, 
square  blotches  upon  the  back,  render  them  readily  distinguish- 
able. 

Three  species  inhabit  the  United  States  and  northern  Mexico. 
These  may  be  classed  among  the  most  useful  reptiles,  as  they 
feed  upon  small  mammals  that  are  injurious  to  man,  in  the  latter's 
agricultural  pursuits. 

Owing  to  one  character  the  Bull  Snakes  are  quite  unique 
among  the  North  American  snakes.  This  is  the  presence  of  a 
peculiar  filament  of  cartilaginous  flesh  in  the  mouth,  situated 
immediately  in  front  of  the  breathing  passage.  When  the  snake 
is  angry,  the  mouth  is  partially  opened,  the  filament  is  raised 
and  the  breath  expelled  violently  against  it.  A  very  loud, 
hissing  sound  is  thus  produced. 

A  key  is  given  to  aid  in  the  identification  of  the  species: 

I.  Ground-colour  whitish. 

White,  with  large  black  or  rusty-brown  blotches,  some 
distance  apart.  PINE  SNAKE,  P.  melanoleucus. 

Habitat. — Eastern  States. 

II.  Ground-colour  yellow. 

Yellow,  with  reddish-brown  or  black  blotches,  at  a  mod- 
erate distance  apart.  BULL  SNAKE,  P.  sayi. 
Habitat. — Central  and  Western  States. 


The  Bull  Snakes 

Yellow,  with  black  or  brown  blotches,  which  are  very 
numerous  and  set  closely  together. 

PACIFIC  BULL  SNAKE,  P.  catenifer. 

Habitat. — Pacific  Coast  region. 
Detailed  descriptions  of  these  species  follow: 


THE  PINE  SNAKE  OR  BULL  SNAKE;  WHITE  GOPHER 

SNAKE 
Pituophis  melanoleucus,  (Daudin) 

Size  large  and  form  moderately  stout.  In  shape,  the  head 
of  this  snake  resembles  that  of  a  turtle.  It  is  small  in  proportion 
to  the  reptile's  size  and  sharply  pointed  at  the  snout,  which  por- 
tion protrudes  considerably  over  the  lower  jaw.  The  scales  of 
the  back  are  keeled  and  lustreless;  on  the  sides  they  show  a 
highly  polished  surface.  The  tail  terminates  in  a  hard  spine; 
this,  on  a  large  specimen,  is  three-eighths  of  an  inch  in  length. 

Colouration. — Dull  white  on  the  back,  becoming  intensely 
white  on  the  sides.  Down  the  back  is  a  series  of  large,  black 
blotches,  closer  together  and  not  sharply  defined  on  the  forward 
portion  of  the  body,  but  on  the  latter  portion,  some  distance 
apart  and  in  vivid  contrast  with  the  pale  ground-colour.  There 
is  a  row  of  smaller  blotches  on  each  side,  and  beneath  this  row 
(on  the  edges  of  the  abdominal  plates),  a  row  of  large  black  spots. 
The  head  is  thickly  dotted  with  black.  The  greater  area  of  the 
abdomen  is  immaculate,  marble  white. 

Variation. — The  preceding  description  appeals  to  the  typical 
Pine  Snake,  inhabiting  the  dry,  pine  woods  of  the  Atlantic  Coast 
and  the  Middle  States.  In  South  Carolina,  Georgia  and  Florida, 
these  snakes  altogether  lack  the  striking  black  and  white  ap- 
pearance of  the  typical  form.  The  extreme  Southern  -snake 
shows  blotches  of  dull,  rusty  brown,  which  are  ill-defined.  With 
such  specimens  the  black  spots  on  the  edges  of  the  abdominal 
plates  are  lacking.  Intermediate  forms  are  common,  with  which 
the  black  blotches  are  present,  but  contain  dull  brown  centres 
— hence  the  Southern  Pine  Snake  is  not  distinct  enough  from 
the  typical  form  to  bear  a  varietal  name. 

Dimensions. — The  Pine  Snake  is  one  of  the  largest  serpents 
of  the  Eastern  States.  It  attains  a  length  of  eight  feet.  Measure- 

316 


The  Bull  Snakes 

ments  are  given  of  a  specimen  of  average  size,  from  southern 
New  Jersey: 

Total  Length 5  feet. 

Length  of  Tail 8£  inches. 

Diameter  of  Body if      " 

Length  of  Head if 

Width  of  Head i 

Distribution. — Southern  New  Jersey,  and  southward  through- 
out Florida;  westward  to  Ohio.  This  snake  is  most  abundant 
in  the  dry,  pine  woods  of  the  Atlantic  Coast  region. 

Habits  of  tie  Pine  Snake 

From  the  habit  of  emitting  a  very  loud  and  prolonged 
hiss  when  annoyed,  the  Pine  Snake  and  other  species  of  the  genus 
Pituophis,  differ  from  the  vast  majority  of  snakes.  This  startling 
sound  is  produced  by  a  peculiar  arrangement  of  the  glottis,  which 
is  the  air  opening,  tube-like  in  form,  that  is  attached  to  the  lower 
jaw  of  snakes.  In  front  of  the  glottis,  is  an  appendage  termed 
the  epiglottis;  this  intensifies  the  sound  of  an  angry  exhalation 
of  the  breath  in  precisely  the  same  fashion  as  a  bit  of  pasteboard 
held  in  front  of  one's  lips  and  blown  upon  forcibly.  The  snake 
employs  the  organ  to  intimidate  an  enemy.  Taking  a  deep 
inhalation,  it  half  opens  its  mouth,  and  emits  the  breath  with 
a  noise  that  may  be  heard  for  fifty  feet  or  more.  To  complete 
a  thoroughly  hostile  air  to  its  antics  it  usually  strikes  at  the 
offending  object  while  giving  voice  to  its  anger.  As  the  snake's 
head  darts  forward  the  reptile  utters  a  sound  that  might  rival 
the  plunging  of  a  piece  of  red-hot  metal  into  water.  Generally 
speaking  the  appearance  of  one  of  these  snakes  in  a  rage  is  quite 
sufficient  to  excite  profound  respect  in  the  mind  of  a  person  not 
acquainted  with  it.  During  these  hostile  exhibitions  the  reptile 
vibrates  its  tail  so  rapidly,  that  if  among  dried  vegetation  it 
produces  a  noise  similar  to  that  of  the  rattlesnake. 

The  Pine  Snake  is  at  most  a  bad-tempered  reptile,  and 
although  an  occasional  specimen  will  become  quiet  and  docile 
in  captivity,  the  majority  of  these  snakes  are  morose  and  sullen 
and  savagely  resent  familiarity  from  human  hands.  The  de- 
meanour of  captive  specimens  is  such  that  many  specimens  refuse 
to  eat  and  ultimately  starve  to  death. 

A  powerful  constrictor,  the  Pine  Snake  feeds  upon  small 


The  Bull  Snakes 

rabbits,  squirrels  and  other  rodents.  It  is  very  fond  of  birds 
and  eggs.  In  swallowing  the  latter  it  goes  through  an  interesting 
performance.  The  egg  is  engulfed  entire — without  breaking 
the  shell — and  swallowed  for  a  distance  of  about  eight  or  ten 
inches  down  the  neck,  when  that  portion  of  the  reptile  is  pressed 
firmly  against  the  ground,  the  muscles  are  called  violently  into 
play  and  exert  themselves  in  such  a  manner  that  strong  pressure 
is  brought  against  the  egg  from  anterior  and  posterior  directions. 
Subjected  to  this  compression  the  shell  is  broken  and  the  frag- 
ments are  swallowed  along  with  the  contents  of  the  egg,  all 
parts  of  which  are  digested.  Many  of  the  mammal  and  bird- 
eating  snakes  feed  occasionally  upon  eggs,  but  they  generally 
consume  them  entire  and  await  the  action  of  the  gastric  juices 
to  dissolve  the  shell,  a  condition  taking  place  within  the  space 
of  two  or  three  days.  All  of  the  snakes  of  this  genus  however 
go  through  the  performance  of  breaking  the  shell  before  swallow- 
ing the  egg.  A  Pine  Snake  of  five  feet  in  length,  can  easily 
swallow  the  eggs  of  a  hen,  and  will  consume  from  four  to  six 
at  a  meal. 

This  species  is  oviparous.-  The  eggs  vary  from  fifteen  to 
two  dozen  in  number. 

THE  BULL  SNAKE  "THE  YELLOW  GOPHER" 

Pituopbis  sayi,  (Schlegel) 

Very  large  in  size,  and  rather  stout  in  form.  The  snout  is 
pointed  like  the  preceding  species,  but  the  head  is  larger  in 
proportion  to  the  reptile's  size. 

Colouration. — Ground-colour,  rich  orange-yellow  or  reddish- 
yellow,  with  a  row  of  large,  square  blotches  of  dark,  reddish- 
brown  (or  black)  on  the  back,  and  a  series  of  smaller  blotches, 
of  a  lighter  shade,  along  the  side. 

When  the  body  is  distended,  the  skin  will  be  seen  to  Snatch 
the  colour  of  the  scales — namely  yellow,  between  the  yellow 
scales,  and  reddish  between  the  scales  comprising  the  blotches. 

The  head  is  dark  yellow,  with  a  brown  or  black  band  across 
the  top  in  front  of  the  eyes.  Another  band  extends  from  the  eye 
to  the  angle  of  the  mouth,  while  there  is  usually  a  dark  bar  directly 
beneath  the  eye.  The  lip  plates  are  bordered  with  black.  With 
this  species  the  abdomen  is  yellow,  with  a  row  of  black  blotches 
on  each  side. 


The  Bull  Snakes 

Variation. — The  species  is  subject  to  but  slight  variation  of 
colour.  Many  specimens,  however,  show  narrow,  brick-red  borders 
on  the  scales  composing  the  blotches,  while  the  skin  between 
the  scales  is  of  the  same  colour.  The  young  are  much  like  the 
parent.  A  variety,  or  sub-species,  has  been  recognised.  Its 
description  follows  that  of  the  typical  form. 

Dimensions. — Attaining  a  length  of  nine  feet  and  a  circum- 
ference of  six  inches,  this  serpent  represents  the  largest  species 
of  North  American  snake.  Following  are  the  dimensions  of  a 
moderate-sized  adult: 

Total  Length 57^  inches. 

Length  of  Tail yf      " 

Diameter  of  Body i  J       " 

Width  of  Head i 

Length  of  Head if      " 

Distribution. — Widely  distributed,  the  Bull  Snake  ranges 
from  southwestern  Canada  southward  into  Mexico.  It  occurs 
as  far  eastward  as  the  prairie  portions  of  Illinois  and  is  partic- 
ularly abundant  in  Texas.  It  takes  the  place  in  the  Central 
and  Western  States  of  the  Eastern  representative  of  the  genus 
P.  melanoleucus,  and  in  the  extreme  West  gives  way  to  another 
species,  P.  catenifer.  The  range  in  the  United  States  may  be 
concisely  defined  as  the  area  between  the  Mississippi  River  and 
the  Rocky  Mountains. 

Habits. — This  big,  yellow  serpent  is  a  familiar  reptile  among 
showmen.  Owing  to  the  large  size  and  striking  colours,  large 
numbers  are  shipped  every  spring  to  the  Eastern  cities,  where 
they  are  sold  to  figure  in  sensational  exhibitions.  The  majority 
of  such  specimens  come  from  Texas. 

The  species  is  fairly  hardy  as  a  captive,  feeding  upon  rats, 
rabbits  and  birds.  It  is  particularly  fond  of  eggs, and  consumes  them 
entire,  breaking  the  shell  in  the  throat  by  a  contraction  of  the 
muscles.  The  writer  witnessed  an  illustration  of  the  voracity 
of  one  of  these  creatures.  It  swallowed  fourteen  hen's  eggs, 
breaking  the  shell  of  each  after  the  egg  had  passed  about  a  foot 
down  the  throat.  The  demonstration  closed  by  the  supply  of 
eggs  becoming  exhausted  and  not  from  any  indifference  on  the 
reptile's  part. 

The  Bull  Snake  is  oviparous  and  its  eggs  rival  those  of  a 


The  Bull  Snakes 

hen  in  size.    They  are  yellowish-white,  with  a  tough,  leathery 
shell. 

THE  ARIZONA  BULL  SNAKE 
Pituopbis  sayi,  variety  bellona,  (Baird  and  Girard) 

This  variety  of  the  preceding  reptile  is  not  strongly  defined 
in  pattern  or  colours.  The  pattern  appeals  strongly  to  the 
typical  form,  although  occasional  specimens  exhibit  markings 
that  tend  to  place  them  as  intermediate  between  the  Bull  Snake 
of  the  Central  and  Western  States  and  the  species  inhabiting  the 
Pacific  Coast  region,  on  which  the  blotches  are  smaller  and  very 
numerous.  This  condition  tends  to  render  the  latter  species — 
P.  calender — rather  doubtful,  and  points  to  the  advisability  of 
considering  it  but  another  variation  of  P.  sayi. 

The  principal  difference  between  the  present  variety  (bellona) 
and  the  typical  form  consists  in  the  formation  of  the  rostral 
(nose)  plate.  With  the  latter  reptile  this  plate  extends  upward 
and  is  very  narrow  above;  with  the  former  snake  (variety  bellona), 
it  is  more  bluntly  triangular,  and  lower  on  the  snout. 

Dimensions. — The  measurements  given  are  of  a  specimen  from 
Beaver  County,  Utah: 

Total  Length 4  ft.  9    inches. 

Length  of  Tail 7$ 

Diameter  of  Body 1 1 

Width  of  Head I* 

Length  of  Head if 

Distribution. — Southern  Oregon,  Idaho,  Colorado,  Nevada, 
Utah,  Arizona,  New  Mexico  and  western  Texas.  It  also  extends 
southward  into  Mexico.  The  Western  border  of  its  distribution 
is  the  Sierra  Nevada  range  of  mountains,  west  of  which  boundary 

occurs  the  Pacific  Coast  species,  P.  catenifer. 

% 

THE   PACIFIC   BULL  SNAKE,  "YELLOW  GOPHER 

SNAKE" 

Pituopbis  catenifer,  (Blainville) 

Moderately  large  in  size  and  stout  of  form,  but  with  pro- 
portionately smaller  head  than  the  preceding. 

Colouration. — Dull  yellowisri-brown,  with  small  and  square 
reddish-brown  (or  black)  blotches  on  the  back.  These  blotches 

320 


THE  REPTILE  BOOK 


PLATE  XCIX 


Largest  of  the  North  American  serpents. 


COMMON  BULL  SXAKE,  Pituopliis  sayi 
Of  economic  value,  as  it  prevs  largely  upon  rodents.    Found  in  the  Plains  Region  and  the  West 


PACIFIC  BULL  SNAKE,  Pituophis  catenijer 
Distinctly  differ&it  from  the  two  preceding  species  in  the  smaller,  close-set  blotches.     Also  ot  smaller  size.     Common  in  the 
southern  portion  of  the  Pacific  Region.     Often  called  the  Gopher  Snake 


THE  REPTII.F.  BOOK 


PLATE  C 


KEELED  GREEN  SNAKE,  Cydophis  astivus 
A  widely  distributed,  uniform  green  species.     The  scales  are  sharply  keeled.     Insect  larvae  form  the  principal  food 


SMOOTH-SCALED  GREEN  SNAKE,  Liopeltis  vernalis 

Widely  distributed  and  distinct  from  the  preceding  snecies  owing  to  the  smooth  scales.     Feeds  upon  grasshoppers,  crickets, 
spiders,  and  the  larvae  of  moths  and  butterflies 


The  Bull  Snakes 

exist  to  a  considerably  greater  number  than  with  the  snakes 
of  the  genus  already  described,  are  much  smaller,  and  closely 
succeeding  one  another.  On  the  sides  is  a  very  obscure  series 
of  smaller  blotches.  Beneath,  the  colour  is  yellowish,  with 
small  and  dark  blotches  at  the  edges  of  the  abdominal  plates. 

Variations. — There  is  considerable  variation  of  the  colour 
of  the  blotches  on  the  back.  These  vary  from  intense  black  on 
some  specimens,  to  reddish-brown  on  others.  Young  specimens 
are  marked  like  the  parent. 

Dimensions. — The  Pacific  Coast  Bull  Snake  does  not  appear 
to  attain  so  great  a  length  as  the  species  inhabiting  the  prairies. 
Following  are  the  measurements  of  an  adult  specimen: 

Total  Length 4  ft.  7    inches. 

Diameter  of  Body i  J      " 

Length  of  Tail oj      " 

Width  of  Head |      " 

Length  of  Head i$ 

Distribution. — The  Pacific  Coast  region,  west  of  the  Sierra 
Nevada  Mountains. 

Habits. — There  is  but  little  variation  between  the  habits 
of  this  snake  and  the  other  species  of  the  genus.  It  is  fairly 
hardy  as  a  captive  if  kept  very  warm  and  dry.  Judging  from 
observations  of  a  fair  series  of  specimens,  this  snake  is  of  a  less 
vicious  disposition  than  the  other  species.  When  greatly  dis- 
turbed it  hisses  loudly  and  vibrates  the  tail. 


321 


CHAPTER   XXXIV:   THE   GREEN   SNAKES 

Representatives  of  the  Genera  CYCLOPHIS  and  LI  OPE  LT  IS— 
Small  Serpents  That  are  of  a  Uniform,  Pale  Green  Above,  and 
Thus  Characteristic  Among  North  American  Snakes 

Two  species  of  small,  pale  green  serpents  occur  in  North 
America,  where  both  are  widely  distributed.  Owing  to  their 
uniform  colour — without  traces  of  markings — they  are  quite  dis- 
tinct and  may  be  immediately  recognised.  However,  to  the 
popular  eye,  it  may  appear  difficult  to  separate  these  species, 
as  one  precisely  matches  the  other  in  colouration  of  the  upper 
surface.  It  is  by  the  scalation  that  they  may  be  at  once  recog- 
nised. Although  closely  related,  they  belong  to  different 
genera.  Peculiar  to  say,  both  of  these  snakes  appeal  to  genera 
that  contain  a  number  of  Old  World  species,  while  the  North 
American  species  stand  as  single  representatives  of  their  groups 
in  the  New  World.  A  simple  key  for  the  determination  of  these 
snakes  is  given,  and  is  followed  by  detailed  descriptions  of  the 
American  species  and  the  genera  to  which  they  belong: 

Scales  keeled;  green  above;  yellowish  beneath. 

KEELED-SCALED   GREEN    SNAKE,  Cydophis  (ZStlVUS. 

Scales  smooth;  green  above,  whitish  beneath. 

GREEN  SNAKE;  GRASS  SNAKE,  Liopeltis  vernalis. 

The  Genus  Cyclophis:  A  number  of  species  occur  in  the 
temperate  and  tropical  Regions  of  Asia.  All  are  of  small  size 
and  the  majority  are  of  a  uniform  green,  yellow  or  brown  above. 
These  reptiles  show  arboreal  habits  and  are  mainly  insectivorous. 
A  description  of  the  only  North  American  species  follows : 

THE  KEELED-SCALED  GREEN   SNAKE;  GREEN  WHIP 
SNAKE;    MAGNOLIA  SNAKE 

Cyclophis  cestivus,  (Linn.) 

Slender  in  form,  with  very  long  and  gradually  tapering  tail. 
The  scales  are  distinctly  keeled. 

322 


THE  REPTILE  BOOK 


PLATE  CI 


L 


ROCK  SNAKE,  Hypsiglena  ochrnrhynclia 
Diminutive,  secretive  iu  habits,  and  confined  to  the  Southwest.      Several  allied  species  are  found  in  Mexico 


PACIFIC  BROWN  SNAKE,  Cnntia  mitis 

Ou  most  specimens  the  colour  above  is  dull  brown  with  a  rusty  red  band  down  the  back.     The  species  hides  in  stone  piles  or 

under  the  bark  of  decaying  trees 


THE  REPTILE  BOOK 


PLATE  CII 


EASTERN  RING-NECKED  SNAKE,  Diadophis  punctatus 

In  mountainous  regions  of  eastern  North  America  these  little  snakes  are  very  common,  hiding  under  flat  stones 

or  the  loose  bark  of  fallen  trees 


WESTERN  RING-NECKED  SNAKE,  Diadophis  amabilis 
Often  coils  the  tail  in  a  spiral  fashion  when  annoyed.     The  collar  and  abdomen  may  be  bright  orange  yellow  or  coral  red 


The  Green  Snakes 

Colouration. — Uniform  bright  (leaf)  green  above;  beneath 
bright  yellow.* 

Dimensions. — The  measurements  taken  are  of  a  fairly 
large  specimen  from  Gainesville,  Florida. 

Total  Length 33    inches. 

Length  of  Tail 12^ 

Greatest  Diameter TV      " 

Width  of  Head f      " 

Length  of  Head J 

With  specimens  from  the  Eastern  and  Central  States,  the 
tail  is  from  one-third  to  one-half  the  total  length  of  the  snake. 
Those  from  the  extreme  West  have  much  shorter  tails. 

Distribution. — Although  widely  distributed  this  reptile  does 
not  range  so  far  north  as  the  other  green  snake.  Its  habitat  is 
from  southern  New  Jersey  southward  through  Florida  and  west- 
ward to  the  Mississippi  in  the  northern  portion  of  its  range.  In 
the  South,  it  extends  westward  to  California.  It  occurs  in 
northern  Mexico. 

Habits. — The  Southern  Green  Snake  is  a  climbing  species, 
frequenting  bushes  and  low  trees.  Like  the  green  snake  of  the 
North,  it  is  very  inoffensive  in  habits  and  the  greater  number 
of  specimens  cannot  be  induced  to  bite. 

This  snake  is  insectivorous,  and  in  captivity  will  eat  grass- 
hoppers and  crickets. f  Its  habits,  generally,  are  much  like  the 
smooth-scaled  green  snake,  but  it  is  a  more  agile  climber  and  in 
a  wild  state,  more  persistently  arboreal. 

A  curious  trait  of  the  species  is  to  be  constantly  observed 
among  the  strictly  arboreal  serpents  of  the  tropics  (the  whip  snakes 
and  allies).  This  is  the  habit  of  protruding  the  tongue  rigidly 
from  the  mouth,  without  spreading  the  forked  tips  or  rapidly 
waving  that  organ  as  is  the  custom  among  snakes  generally. 
While  the  snake  is  progressing,  the  tongue  is  most  frequently 
protruded  in  this  fashion.  As  the  tongue  of  this  species  is  of  a 
pale  flesh  colour,  the  character  may  be  readily  noted. 

While  hunting  snakes  in  the  South,  the  writer  found  it  most 
convenient  in  collecting  specimens  of  this  species  to  shake  the 

*  While  the  colour  of  the  back  matches  that  of  the  succeeding  spe- 
cies, the  abdomen  presents  a  different  hue,  owing  to  the  decidedly  yel- 
lowish tinge — that  of  the  allied  species  beng  white,  or  greenish -white. 

f  Mr.  O.  Eggling,  of  New  York,  tells  me  that  he  has  induced  spec- 
imens of  this  snake  to  eat  mealworms. 

323 


The  Green  Snakes 

small  bushes  by  the  roadside  and  watch  for  the  movements  of  the 
reptiles.  If  a  specimen  happened'  to  be  lying  motionless  among 
the  leaves  it  was  perfectly  protected,  the  keeled  scales  imparting 
a  soft,  green  surface  that  exactly  matched  the  surrounding  vege- 
tation. 

The  Genus  Liopeltis:  A  number  of  species  of  this  genus  occur 
in  eastern  Asia.  They  are  of  small  size.  The  majority  are  of  a 
uniform  green  or  yellow  above.  Following  is  a  description  of 
the  only  North  American  species: 

THE  GREEN   SNAKE,  "GRASS  SNAKE" 
Liopeltis  vernalis,  (De  Kay) 

This  species  is  stouter  of  body  than  the  preceding  green  snake, 
while  the  tail  is  proportionately  much  shorter  with  the  majority 
of  specimens.  The  scales  are  smooth,  with  a  satiny  lustre. 

Colouration. — Uniform,  pale  (leaf)  green  above; greenish-white 
beneath.  The  lips  show  the  pale  tint  of  the  undersurface. 
Alcoholic  specimens  fade  to  a  greenish-gray  or  blue. 

A  large  specimen  from  Long  Island,  N.  Y.,  is  unusual  in 
being  dark  olive  and  dull  yellow  beneath. 

Freshly  hatched  specimens  are  dull  olive  above. 

Dimensions. — This  is  a  smaller  species  than  the  keeled- 
scaled  green  snake  and  rarely  attains  a  length  of  over  twenty 
inches.  The  measurements  of  an  average-sized  specimen  are 
given : 

Total  Length 15^  inches. 

Length  of  Tail 5! 

Greatest  Diameter J 

Width  of  Head J 

Distribution. — Southeastern  Canada,  southward  to  the  Gulf 
of  Mexico.  The  species  extends  westward  to  New  Mexico.  It 
does  not  appear  to  be  abundant  in  the  Southern  or  Western 
States,  but  is  a  common  reptile  in  Maine,  Massachusetts,  Connecti- 
cut and  New  York. 

Habits. — Extended  observations  prove  this  species  to  be 
quite  insectivorous  in  habits,  a  characteristic  common  among  the 
lizards,  but  rare  with  the  snakes,  and  especially  among  species 
that  do  not  lead  a  burrowing  life.  Of  the  many  specimens  of 
the  Green  Snake  that  have  come  under  the  writer's  attention 

324 


The  Green  Snakes 

none  could  be  induced  to  eat  anything  but  insects,  although  such 
food  as  salamanders,  very  small  toads  and  frogs,  earthworms 
and  other  creatures  readily  devoured  by  other  species  of  snakes 
of  similar  size,  were  offered.  Moreover,  an  examination  of  the 
stomachs  of  a  large  series  of  alcoholic  specimens  that  have  been 
caught  wild,  invariably  revealed  the  presence  of  insects. 

The  Green  Snake  will  eat  spiders,  grasshoppers  and  crickets, 
but  in  preference  to  anything  of  this  character  will  take  the 
larvae  or  caterpillars  of  certain  moths,  which  are  common  in  the 
situations  frequented  by  the  snakes.  These  caterpillars  are  of 
the  green,  hairless  kind,  about  an  inch  in  length  and  slightly 
less  than  a  quarter  of  an  inch  in  thickness.  Many  captive  speci- 
mens cannot  be  induced  to  take  anything  but  these  larvae,  which, 
when  offered,  are  voraciously  grasped  and  swallowed  immediately. 

The  majority  of  Green  Snakes  are  the  most  gentle  of  ser- 
pents and  will  submit  to  the  most  vigorous  handling,  even  when 
freshly  captured,  without  showing  the  least  sign  of  anger.  Of 
several  hundred  specimens,  the  writer  failed  to  note  an  attempt 
to  bite  except  in  the  case  of  a  single  specimen  from  Long  Island. 
It  is  interesting  to  explain  that  this  specimen  was  very  dark 
olive  in  colour  and  in  decided  contrast  to  the  rich  green  of  the 
greater  number  of  specimens.  It  would  bite  repeatedly  at  the 
finger,  but  the  minute  teeth  failed  to  produce  even  a  scratch. 

A  more  innocent  and  more  dainty  reptile  cannot  be  imagined 
than  one  of  these  creatures,  and  the  spectacle  of  a  tiny  green 
serpent  beaten  to  death  on  the  roadside  should  provoke  a  pity 
for  the  human  individual  who  so  "bravely"  engaged  in  combat 
and  succeeded  in  destroying  with  the  aid  of  a  substantial  club, 
about  twelve  or  fourteen  inches  of  diminutive  body  that  would 
have  real  difficulty  in  battling  with  a  fair-sized  grasshopper. 

Rather  open  situations  are  generally  selected  by  this  reptile 
which  prowls  through  tangled  grass,  or  into  bushes.  It  is  some- 
times found  coiled  among  vines  where  its  green  body  so  blends 
with  the  colour  of  the  stems  and  tendrils  that  the  reptile  may 
be  seen  only  with  great  difficulty.  Toward  the  latter  part  of 
the  day  it  often  crawls  under  flat  stones  that  have  been  warmed 
by  the  sun,  and  when  discovered  in  such  places  will  dart  into  the 
surrounding  grass  with  bewildering  agility.  Once  among  the 
vegetation  it  crawls  slowly,  appearing  to  realise  that  its  pro- 
tective colouration  will  elude  the  pursuer. 

325 


The  Green  Snakes 

It  is  under  these  flat  stones,  generally  close  to  the  hedges 
surrounding  a  meadow,  that  the  eggs  may  be  found.  These 
are  considerably  more  elongated  than  of  the  majority  of  oviparous 
snakes,  and  are  covered  with  so  thin  an  integument  that  it  is 
dented  upon  the  slightest  pressure  of  the  finger.  About  a  dozen 
eggs  seem  to  be  the  maximum  number  deposited. 

On  August  1 4th  the  writer  found  four  eggs  of  a  Green  Snake, 
on  a  high  ledge,  in  Sullivan  County,  New  York.  The  eggs  were 
under  a  flat  stone  and  had  been  deposited  in  a  hollow  scooped 
out  of  the  disintegrated  lichens  and  moss,  by  the  female.  The 
stone  was  very  warm,  being  exposed  to  the  full  rays  of  the  sun 
for  the  greater  part  of  the  day.  These  eggs  were  very  elongate, 
and  adhesive  in  pairs.  Their  covering  was  so  translucent  that 
the  dark  embryo  (nearly  ready  to  hatch)  could  readily  be  dis- 
cerned. The  young  snakes  emerged  on  the  25th  of  August. 
They  were  4!  inches  in  length,  very  dark  olive  above  and  greenish 
white  beneath.  About  an  hour  after  birth  each  shed  a  very 
thin  skin,  after  which  process  they  were  very  lively  and  prowled 
into  every  crevice  of  their  cage. 


CHAPTER   XXXV:  SMALL,  MISCELLANEOUS 
SMOOTH-SCALED  SERPENTS 

The  Genera   HYPSIGLENA,  STILOSOMA,  RHADINEA  and 

CONTIA 

THE  relationship  of  the  genera,  of  the  smaller,  smooth- 
scaled  snakes,  is  problematical.  In  a  few  cases  we  feel  fairly 
assured  that  we  may  trace  sources  of  evolution  or  degeneracy, 
but  if  we  arrange  our  series  accordingly,  the  result  is  at  once  con- 
fusing to  the  beginner  for  diminutive  reptiles  are  wedged  between 
large  and  striking  forms.  The  writer  has  decided  to  adopt 
the  most  popular  method  possible;  that  is  to  group  these  smaller 
snakes,  without  regard  to  their  alleged  relationship.  In  thus 
bringing  them  together,  we  may  arrange  the  genera  in  tabulated 
form,  and  it  is  much  easier  to  study  the  small  snakes  collectively 
than  to  search  for  them  in  odd  corners  through  an  extensive  work. 
Such  genera  of  the  smaller  serpents  that  have  been  scattered 
through  this  book,  are  those  that  have  fallen  readily  into  series 
with  a  striking,  popular  title. 

Key  to  Miscellaneous  Genera  of  Small,  Smooth- scaled  Serpents 

I.  Pupil  of  Eye  Elliptical. 

Body  stout;  head  fairly  distinct.  Ventral  plate  divided. 
Length  12  to  14  inches.  Genus  Hypsiglena. 

Gray  or  yellow;  dark  brown  blotches  on  back  and  two 
alternating  series  on  sides.  A  band  through  each  eye 
to  neck;  a  central  band  between  these.  Abdomen 
white.  ROCK  SNAKE,  H.  ochrorhyncha. 

Distribution. —  Texas  to  California. 

II.  Pupil  of  Eye  Round. 

Central  plate  entire. 

Body  very  slender;  head  not  distinct;  tail  very  short. 
No  loreal  plate.     Snout  prominent.     Length  about  23 
inches;  tail  2  inches.  Genus  Stilosoma. 

327 


Small,  Miscellaneous  Smooth-scaled  Serpents 

Silvery  gray;  60  to  70  dark  brown  blotches  with  blackish 
borders — interspaces  mottled  with  red;  abdomen 
mottled  with  black. 

SHORT-TAILED  SNAKE,  S.  extenuatum. 
Distribution. — Florida. 
^Ventral  -plate  divided. 

Body  moderately  slender;  head  fairly  distinct;  snout 
blunt.  A  loreal  plate.  Length  about  1 1  inches. 

Genus  Rbadinea. 
*  Scales  in  17  rows. 
Uniform  reddish-brown ;  abdomen  and  lips  yellow. 

YELLOW    LIPPED    SNAKE,  R. 

Distribution. — North  Carolina  to  Mississippi. 
**Scales  in  1 3  to  15  rows. 

Form  rather  stout;  head  not  very  distinct;  a  loreal 
plate.  Length  10  to  12  inches.  Genus  Contia. 

a.  Scales  in  13  rows. 

Pale  brown   above;   abdomen    and    upper    lips  white. 
Tail  about  one-fifth  total  length. 

TAYLOR'S  SNAKE,  C.  taylori. 
Distribution. — Duval   Co.,   Texas. 

b.  Scales  in  1 5  rows. 

Uniform  reddish  yellow  or  gray — scales  tipped  with  light 
brown.  Tail  about  one-fourth  total  length. 

YELLOW    GROUND    SNAKE,     C.  episCOpa. 

Distribution. — Texas ;  Northern  Mexico. 
Red  or  orange,  with  broad,   black  cross-bands;  snout 
red,  remainder  of  head  black.     Abdomen  white;  tail 
ringed  with  black. 
BANDED  GROUND  SNAKE,    C.  episcopa  variety  iso^ona. 

Distribution. — Texas  to  Utah;  northern  Mexico. 
Milk-white,  pink  or  yellow,  with  narrow  black  rings — 
not  always  complete — about  5  scales  apart;   a    black 
crescent  on  head. 

RINGED   GROUND   SNAKE,   C.   OCCipitale. 

Distribution. — Arizona. 

Dark  brown ;  a  pale  stripe  on  4th  row  of  scales,  bor- 
dered below  with  black  dots.  A  black  bar  on  each 
temple.  Abdomen  yellow;  plates  edged  wfth  black. 
Tail  about  one-eighth  total  length. 

PACIFIC    BROWN    SNAKE,   C.   Wlitis. 

Distribution. — Pacific  States. 

Detailed  Descriptions 

The  Genus  Hypsiglena:  Several  species  are  recognised; 
one  occurs  in  the  United  States  and  northern  Mexico;  the  others 
inhabit  Mexico  and  Central  America.  These  are  stubby  little 

328 


Small,  Miscellaneous  Smooth- scaled  Serpents 

snakes,  leading  rather  a  secretive  life.  The  eye  is  small  with 
a  vertical  pupil.  The  rear  teeth  of  the  upper  jaw  are  considerably 
enlarged. 

THE  ROCK  SNAKE 
Hypsiglena  ochrorhyncha,  (Cope) 

Size  small;  body  stout;  head  moderately  distinct.  One 
large  preocular  plate,  and  generally  a  small  one  below  it  (the  plates 
in  front  of  the  eye).  Scales  in  21  rows. 

Colouration. — Gray,  pale  brown  or  yellow,  with  a  series  of 
irregular,  dark  brown  blotches  on  the  back,  very  narrowly  mar- 
gined with  black;  two  small,  alternating  series  of  blotches  on 
each  side. 

A  dark  band  through  each  eye,  extending  backward  to  the 
neck;  a  central  stripe  between  these  bands;  the  three  bands 
often  fuse  into  a  large,  dark  blotch  situated  a  short  distance 
behind  the  head.  Top  of  head  and  lip  plates,  dotted  with  brown. 
Abdomen  white. 

Dimensions. — Total  Length 15!  inches 

Length  of  Tail 3 \ 

Greatest  Diameter 

Width  of  Head -fr    " 

Length  of  Head T9e 

Distribution. — Western  Texas  to  southern  California;  Lower 
California  and  northern  Mexico. 

Habits. — Probably  nocturnal,  owing  to  the  elliptical  pupil. 
A  small  swift  (Sceloporus}  was  found  in  the  stomach  of  an  alco- 
holic specimen;  the  eggs  of  some  small  lizard  or  snake  were 
taken  from  the  stomach  of  another. 

The  Genus  Stilosoma:  One  species  known;  it  inhabits 
Florida.  Body  very  slender.  Teeth  of  the  upper  jaw  of  about 
uniform  size.  Ventral  plate  entire. 

THE  SHORT-TAILED  SNAKE 
Stilosoma  extenuatum,  (A.  E.  Brown) 

Form  very  slender;  tail  very  short.  Head  not  distinct 
from  the  neck;  snout  prominent.  Scales  in  19  rows. 

Colouration. — "Body  colour  silvery  gray,  with  60  to  70  ir- 
regular, dark  brown  dorsal  spots  with  blackish  border  on  the  body, 

329 


Small,  Miscellaneous  Smooth-scaled  Serpents 

and  about  twelve  on  the  tail;  on  the  dorsal  line  the  interspaces 
are  mottled  with  pale  red;  belly  blotched  with  black  which  ex- 
tends on  the  sides  and  often  breaks  into  the  lateral  spots ;  on  the 
sides  the  scales  are  finely  punctulated  with  black;  a  dark  patch 
on  the  parietals,  with  a  smaller  one  on  each  side  of  the  neck;  a 
dark,  post-ocular  streak;  forepart  of  head,  chin  and  throat 
maculated  with  black."  (A.  E.  Brown). 

Dimensions. — Total  length  23  inches;  tail,  2  inches. 

Distribution. — This  rare  snake  is  known  only  from  Marion 
and  Orange  Counties,  Florida. 

Habits. — Apparently  a  burrowing  species. 

The  Genus  Rhadinea:  The  several  species  inhabit  North 
and  South  America;  but  one  is  found  in  the  former.  All  are  of 
small  size.  Rear  teeth  of  the  upper  jaw  slightly  enlarged,  but 
smooth.  A  loreal  plate  and  one  -preocular;  ventral  plate  divided. 

THE  YELLOW-LIPPED  SNAKE 
Rhadinea  flavilata,  (Cope) 

Body  moderately  slender;  head  fairly  distinct;  scales 
smooth  and  polished.  Tail  proportionately  long.  Scales  in 
17  rows. 

Colouration. — Pale  reddish-brown  above — paler  on  the  sides, 
which  are  of  a  golden  tinge.     Head  darker  than  the  body.    A 
dusky  band  commences  behind  the  snout,  extends  to  the  eye, 
thence  from  behind  the  eye  to  the  angle  of  the  mouth.     The  upper 
lip  is  bright  yellow;  abdomen  immaculate  yellow. 

^Dimensions. — Total  Length 12    inches. 

Length  of  Tail 3f 

Greatest  Diameter 

Width  of  Head 1      " 

Length  of  Head J 

Distribution. — A  rare  species.  Occurs  from  the  Atlantic 
Coast  region — North  Carolina  to  Florida — westward  to  Mississippi. 

Habits. — Little  is  known  of  this  snake.  It  is  a  secretive 
reptile  and  may  be  found  under  the  bark  of  decaying  logs. 

The  Genus  Contia:  A  number  of  small  snakes  are  embraced 
in  this  genus;  some  inhabit  Asia;  four  are  found  in  the  United 

*Through  the  courtesy  of  Dr.  Samuel  Garman  and  Mr.  Thomas 
Barbour  the  writer  was  able  to  photograph  the  head  and  obtain  meas- 
urements of  this  rare  snake. 

33° 


Small,  Miscellaneous  Smooth-scaled  Serpents 

States  and  these  are  prettily  coloured  reptiles.  With  the  ex- 
ception of  one  species — C.  mitis,  these  snakes  have  a  groove  on 
the  rear  tooth  in  the  upper  jaw.  Further  investigation  of  this 
structure  may  show  them  to  be  related  to  the  Opisthoglyph  snakes, 
but  as  the  groove  is  very  shallow  and  the  presence  of  attendant 
glands  has  not  been  determined,  we  will  include  them,  provision- 
ally, among  those  colubrine  serpents  that  are  devoid  of  a  specific 
secretion  to  be  used  in  overpowering  the  prey  and  specially 
constructed  teeth  to  inject  it. 

Scales  perfectly  smooth,  with  a  satiny  lustre,  in  13  to  15 
rows — with  the  American  species.  A  loreal  plate;  one  preocular 
plate;  ventral  plate  divided. 

TAYLOR'S  SNAKE 

Contia  taylori,  (Boulenger) 

Body  moderately  stout;  tail  about  one-fifth  the  total  length. 
Scales  in  1 3  rows. 

Colouration. — Pale  brown  above,  each  scale  darkest  along 
the  centre;  abdomen  and  upper  lip  white. 

Dimensions. — Total  length,  lof  inches;  tail,  2\  inches. 
Distribution. — Duval  County,  Texas ;  northern  Mexico.    Three 
specimens  known. 

YELLOW  GROUND  SNAKE 
Contia  episcopa,  (Kennicott) 

Scales  in  1 5  rows.    Tail  about  one-fourth  the  total  length. 
Colouration.— "  Yellowish,    reddish    or   greenish,    sometimes 
with  a  yellow  dorsal  stripe  three  scales  wide;  most  of  the  scales 
tipped  with  light  brown;  top  of  the  head  like  the  body,  or  brown, 
or  black;    belly  yellowish  or  greenish  white."     (A.  E.  Brown.) 
Dimensions. — Total  length,  10  inches;   tail  2\  inches. 
Distribution. — Texas  and  northern  Mexico. 

BANDED  GROUND  SNAKE 
Contia  episcopa,  variety  iso^ona,  (Cope) 
Proportions  like  the  typical  form. 

Colouration. — A  handsome  little  snake.  Red  or  deep  orange 
above,  with  black  cross-bands,  extending  downward  nearly  to 
the  abdominal  plates;  head  black  with  exception  of  the  snout, 

331 


Small,  Miscellaneous  Smooth-scaled  Serpents 

which  is  red  or  orange.       Abdomen  white;    on  the  tail    the 
black  markings  form  complete  rings. 

Distribution. — Texas  to  Arizona;  northward  to  Utah; 
southward  into  Sonora,  Mexico. 

RINGED  GROUND  SNAKE 
Contia  occipitale,  (Hallowell) 

Snout  most  prominent  of  any  of  the  species.  Scales  in  15 
rows.  Tail  about  one-fifth  the  total  length. 

Colouration. — Milk-white,  pink  or  yellow,  with  narrow  black 
rings  around  the  body — sometimes  broken  at  the  edges  of  the 
abdominal  plates — separated  by  intervals  of  about  five  scales; 
between  the  rings,  the  abdomen  is  white. 

A  black  crescent  on  the  rear  part  of  the  head,  the  points 
directed  forward. 

Dimensions. — Total  length   12  inches. 

Distribution. — Arizona. 

PACIFIC  GROUND  SNAKE;  BROWN  SNAKE 

Contia  mitis,  (Baird  &  Girard) 

Largest  of  the  North  American  species,  reaching  a  length 
of  1 6  inches.  Body  rather  stout;  tail  very  short;  head  flat, 
blunt  at  the  snout  and  not  distinct  from  the  neck. 

Colouration. — Dark  chestnut-brown  above,  with  a  reddish- 
brown  band  on  each  side  of  the  back — these  bands  are  very  ob- 
scure on  some  specimens;  they  are  situated  on  the  fourth  row 
of  scales  and  often  margined  beneath  by  black  dots.  A  black 
streak  on  each  side  of  the  head,  from  the  eye  to  angle  of  the  mouth. 
Abdominal  plates  yellow,  broadly  margined  with  black. 

Dimensions. — Following  are  the  measurements  of  a  small 
adult: 

Total  Length 1 1£  inches. 

Length  of  Tail 2f 

Greatest  Diameter 1 

Width  of  Head ^     " 

Length  of  Head | 

Distribution. — The  Pacific  region,  from  Washington  (in- 
clusive) to  California  (inclusive). 

332 


CHAPTER  XXXVI:    THE  RING-NECKED  SNAKES 

GENUS  DIADOPHIS 
Small,  Smooth-scaled  Serpents  with  Characteristic  Markings 

THE  genus  Diadophis  is  composed  of  four,  small  species. 
Three  inhabit  the  United  States  and  Mexico;  one  species  occurs 
on  the  island  of  New  Providence,  in  the  Bahamas. 

The  North  American  species  are  characteristic  in  their 
peculiar  colouration — a  bright  yellow  ring  about  the  neck  and 
in  bold  contrast  to  the  sombre  body-colour,  either  uniform  dark 
gray  or  brown.  These  snakes  are  of  rather  slender  build.  The 
scales  are  smooth  and  glossy.  All  are  of  small  size  and  secretive 
habits. 

As  is  usually  the  case  with  small  serpents,  the  colouration 
and  conformation  of  the  species  are  quite  similar  and  it  is  im- 
possible to  present  strictly  popular  descriptions  that  would  be  of 
value  in  actual  identification.  Thus  it  is  necessary  to  count 
the  rows  of  scales  and  the  plates  of  the  abdomen,  to  properly 
separate  the  species.  Locality  alone,  however,  will  in  many 
instances  determine  the  name  of  a  specimen;  hence  in  the  fol- 
lowing key,  the  distribution  of  each  species  is  given. 

Key  to  the  Ring-necked  Snakes 

a.  A  bright  yellow  ring  on  neck.     Body  uniform  gray  or 
brown. 

*Fifteen  rows  of  scales. 

1 60,  or  a  lesser  number  of  abdominal  plates.     Gray  or 
brown  above;  yellow  beneath. 

EASTERN    RING-NECKED   SNAKE,  D.  punctatUS. 

Distribution. — U.  S.  east  of  the  Mississippi ;  Canada. 
210,  or  a  lesser  number  of  abdominal  plates.     Brown  or 
gray  above;  yellow  or  red  beneath. 

WESTERN    RING-NECKED   SNAKE,  D.  amabilis. 

Distribution. — Western  States  and  the  Pacific  region. 

b.  Yellow  collar  obscure  or  absent. 
**Seventeen  rows  of  scales. 

333 


The  Ring-necked  Snakes 

Dark  gray  or  blackish;  yellow  or  red  beneath. 

SONORAN    RING-NECKED    SNAKE,   D. 

Distribution.  —  Central  region  —  Ohio    to    Colorado; 
southward  into  Mexico. 

Several  varieties  are  worthy  of  notice  and  will  be  treated 
in  the  detailed  descriptions  that  follow: 

THE  EASTERN  RING-NECKED  SNAKE 
Diadophis  punctatus,  (Linn.) 

The  body  is  moderately  slender  and  the  head  quite  flat, 
though  not  very  distinct  from  the  neck.  The  scales  are  in  fifteen 
oblique  rows  and  the  plates  of  the  abdomen  —  not  including 
those  under  the  tail  —  exist  to  a  number  of  140  to  160.  An  adult 
specimen  is  about  fourteen  inches  long. 

Colouration.  —  Dark  gray  above,  with  a  ring  of  bright  yellow 
around  the  neck,  immediately  behind  the  head.  The  abdomen 
is  orange  yellow  and  the  intersection  of  the  gray  of  the  upper 
surface  with  the  pale  hue  beneath  occurs  at  the  edges  of  the 
abdominal  plates;  the  gray  extends  in  wedge-shaped  fashion 
over  the  edge  of  each  plate,  producing  a  sharply  serrated  border 
of  the  colour. 

There  is  often  a  single  row  of  black  spots  on  the  centre  of 
the  abdomen. 

Very  young  specimens  are  blackish  rather  than  gray  and 
the  yellow  half-collar  is  vividly  defined.  A  half-grown  specimen 
from  Marion  County,  Florida,  is  rather  unique  in  colouring. 
Above,  it  is  jet-black  with  a  narrow  ring  of  coral  red,  broken 
at  the  top  of  the  neck.  The  abdomen  is  deep  yellow,  with  a 
row  of  large,  black  spots  in  the  centre;  the  underside  of  the  tail 
is  brilliant,  coral  red. 

Dimensions.  —  A  mature  specimen,  taken  in  Sullivan  County, 
New  York,  shows  the  following,  average  measurements:  % 

Total  Length  .............................  13  inches. 

Length  of  Tail  ............................  2| 

Greatest  Diameter  ........................    -A-   " 


Width  of  Head 


The  largest  specimen  examined  by  the  writer  was  taken  at 
Forestine,  Sullivan  County,  New  York.  Its  measurements  are 
given  : 

334 


THE  REPTILE  BOOK 


PLATE  CIII 


1,3     Milk  Snake,  Ophibolus  doliattts  triangulus.     N.  Y. 
2,  4    Red  Milk  Snake,  O.  d.  dericus.     Va. 
5,  8    Brown  King  Srake,  O.  rhombomaculatus.     Va. 
V 


11,12  Common  King  Snake,  G.'petulus.^  Fla. 
0  Boyle's  King  Snake,  O.  jet.ilus,hoylii.  ,GrJ., 
6,7,10  Arizona  King  Snake,  O:</*fu^i. 


THE  REPTILE  BOOK 


PLATE  CIV 


* 


BROWN  KIXG  SNAKE,  Ophibolus  rhombomaculatus.       Young  Adult 
The  young  look  much  like  the  adults  of  a  more  westerly  species,  O.  calligasler 


, 


BROWN  KING  SNAKE,  Ophibolus  rhombomacwaius.     Old  Example 
a  rich,  golden  brown,  with  obscure,  darker  brown  blotches.     The  food  consists  mostly  of  small  birds  and  rodents 


The  Ring-necked  Snakes 

Total  Length 19^  inches. 

Length  of  Tail 3f 

Greatest  Diameter T7¥ 

Width  of  Head &     " 

Length  of  Head f 

The  latter  specimen  was  rather  light  gray  above,  with  a  dull 
yellow  collar;  the  abdomen  was  pale  yellow,  with  no  trace  of 
black  spots. 

Distribution. — Generally  distributed  in  North  America,  east 
of  the  Mississippi  River,  from  southern  Canada  (inclusive)  to 
Florida  (inclusive). 

Habits. — The  Ring-necked  Snake  is  a  secretive  species,  hiding 
under  the  loose,  rotting  bark  of  fallen  trees,  among  loose  rocks 
or  under  flat  stones.  It  is  seldom  seen  abroad  and  if  it  ventures 
from  its  lairs,  usually  prowls  at  night.  In  the  North,  the  writer 
has  collected  large  numbers  of  these  pretty  snakes  by  turning 
over  flat  stones.  He  remembers  a  particular  stone,  about  the 
size  of  an  ordinary  platter,  lying  near  the  edge  of  heavy  timber, 
in  Sullivan  County,  New  York,  that  appeared  to  be  a  favourite 
hiding  place  for  snakes  of  this  species.  In  his  daily  trips  to 
the  woods,  this  stone  was  always  turned  over,  and  generally 
to  disclose  a  Ring-necked  Snake,  snugly  coiled  beneath  it. 
Many  specimens  were  taken  at  this  spot.  They  had  appar- 
ently prowled  about  the  clearing  at  night  and  on  their  way 
back  to  the  thicket,  and  its  hiding  places,  had  discovered  the 
shelving  stone. 

In  the  South,  large  numbers  of  these  reptiles  were  collected 
by  stripping  the  bark  from  fallen  trees.  To  find  fifty  or  more 
specimens  during  a  half-day's  hunt  for  various  reptiles  that  select 
such  hiding  places,  was  not  unusual.  The  Ring-necked  Snakes 
were  most  frequently  found  under  the  bark  of  trees  infested  by 
ants;  often  the  working  streams  of  these  insects  would  pass 
but  a  fraction  of  an  inch  from  the  spot  where  the  reptile  lay 
coiled.  In  one  instance,  while  pursuing  some  entomological 
investigations  during  the  early  spring,  the  writer  exhumed  one 
of  these  snakes  while  digging  through  a  large  and  thickly  populated 
ant-hill. 

This  species  is  quite  omnivorous.  It  feeds  largely  upon 
earthworms  and  the  smaller  species  of  salamanders,  as  well  as 
lizards  and  snakes.  The  writer  has  observed  numerous  speci- 

335 


The  Ring-necked  Snakes 

mens  in  the  act  of  swallowing  half-grown  green  snakes,*  and 
adults  of  the  red-bellied  snake. f 

Although  the  species  is  oviparous,  it  appears  to  be  one  of 
those  serpents  that  stand  midway  between  the  viviparous  and 
the  egg-laying  snakes,  as  the  eggs  contain  large  embryos  when 
deposited  and  hatch  in  less  than  half  the  time  required  for  the 
development  of  the  eggs  of  the  majority  of  snakes.  The  eggs 
are  very  elongate  and  covered  with  a  very  thin  integument. 
After  deposit  they  increase  rapidly  in  size,  acquiring  curious  and 
irregular  outlines,  which  in  some  instances  may  be  curved,  like 
a  boomerang.  (Illustration — 3  eggs). 

The  writer  believes  the  following  to  be  the  first  authentic 
notes  published  concerning  observations  on  the  development 
of  the  eggs  of  this  species.  The  female  snake  had  been  received 
a  month  previous,  from  Sullivan  County,  New  York: 

June  28th.  Three  elongate  eggs  deposited.  These  are  IT^ 
inches  in  length,  and  f  of  an  inch  in  diam- 
eter at  the  thickest  part.  The  female  snake  is 
15  inches  in  length.  Damp  wood  pulp  was 
selected  as  a  hatching  medium  for  the  eggs. 

July  25th.  The  eggs  have  increased  in  size  to  a  great  ex- 
tent and  now  measure  if  inches  in  length, 
and  ^  an  inch  in  diameter  at  their  thickest  part. 

Aug.  8th.  All  of  the  eggs  have  hatched.  Just  prior  to 
hatching  they  measured  I  finches  in  length  and 
\  an  inch  in  diameter.  The  young  snakes  are 
surprisingly  large — 4!  inches  long;  the  ground 
colour  is  darker  than  the  parent — almost  black — 
while  the  ring  around  the  neck  is  pale,  yellowish- 
white. 

From  the  dates  given,  it  will  be  appreciated  that  the  develop- 
ment of  these  eggs  was  very  rapid.  A  batch  of  eggs  of  the  coral 
snake,  deposited  about  the  same  time,  contained  embryos  but 
half-way  developed,  when  the  Ring-necked  Snakes  had  left  their 
membraneous  shells. 

That  the  breeding  habits  of  this  species  may  vary — and 
occasional  females  actually  produce  living  young — seems  very 
probable  after  the  receipt  of  a  letter  from  Arthur  Erwin  Brown, 
Director  of  the  Zoological  Gardens  in  Philadelphia.  Mr.  Brown 

*  Liopeltis  vernalis. 

t  Storeria  occipitomaculata. 

336 


The  Ring-necked  Snakes 

is  a  painstaking  observer  of  reptiles;    an  extract  of  his  letter 
follows : 

"In  August,  1891,  two  small  Diadophis  punctatus,  evidently 
newly  born,  appeared  in  a  case  containing  several  adults.  No 
indication  of  eggs  had  been  observed,  nor  were  any  fragments 
of  egg  membranes  found  when  the  young  were  first  seen.  The 
apparently  near  relationship  of  Diadophis  to  Opbibolus  and 
Coronella — both  egg-laying  genera — makes  me  rather  cautious 
about  believing  that  Diadophis  is  viviparous  in  a  state  of  nature, 
and  it  may  be  that  the  conditions  of  captivity  accelerated 
the  development  of  the  young  and  that  they  were  ovo-viviparously 
produced.  That  is  the  only  time  they  have  bred  here." 

THE  WESTERN   RING-NECKED  SNAKE 
Diadophis  amabilis,  (B.  &  G.) 

This  pretty  species  is  considerably  more  slender  than  the 
preceding.  It  has  a  greater  number  of  abdominal  plates — from 
180  to  210. 

Colouration. — The  colouration  of  the  typical  form  is  much 
like  that  of  the  preceding  species,  except  that  the  black  spots  on 
the  abdomen  are  irregularly  distributed  instead  of  in  a  straight 
row  as  seen  with  the  allied  species. 

The  variety  pulchellus — the  Pacific  Ring-necked  Snake: 
From  the  typical  form  this  variety  differs  in  the  distinctly  greenish 
(sometimes  bluish)  ground-colour,  the  reddish  collar  and  the  coral 
red  hue  of  the  abdomen.  It  inhabits  Oregon  and  California. 

Dimensions;    Total  Length 17    inches. 

Length  of  Tail 3!       " 

Greatest  Diameter i       " 

Width  of  Head \      " 

Length  of  Head ^     " 

Distribution. — Texas,  westward  to  the  Pacific  Coast;  north- 
ward to  Washington.  Sonora,  Mexico. 

Habits. — From  the  actions  of  captive  specimens  it  seems 
that  this  little  snake  at  times  employs  constriction  to  overpower 
its  prey — small,  burrowing  snakes,  salamanders  and  earthworms. 
It  has  a  curious  habit,  when  annoyed,  of  elevating  and  twisting 
its  tail  in  corkscrew  fashion,  displaying  both  the  dark  ground- 
colour and  the  bright  red  of  the  underside  and  producing  a  pecul- 
iar effect.  The  tail  is  often  reared  two  inches  or  more  from  the 
coil.  The  habit  is  demonstrated  in  the  photograph. 

337 


The  Ring-necked  Snakes 

THE  SONORAN  RING-NECKED  SNAKE 
Diadophis  punctatus.  (B.  &  G.) 

From  the  other  species  of  ring-necked  snakes,  this  serpent 
may  be  told  by  the  greater  number  of  scale-rows  and  abdominal 
plates.  The  scales  are  in  seventeen  rows;  the  abdominal  plates 
exist  to  the  number  of  183  10237  (A.  E.  Brown).  It  is  the  largest 
species  of  the  genus,  attaining  a  length  of  two  feet. 

Colouration. — The  typical  form  is  dark  bluish-gray  above, 
the  abdomen  yellow  or  reddish,  with  numerous,  small,  black 
spots;  the  pale  hue  of  the  abdomen  extends  upward  over  the 
first  row  of  scales.  On  some  specimens  there  are  traces  of  a 
yellowish  or  reddish  collar;  on  the  greater  number  this  is  absent. 

The  variety  arnyi  is  brownish-black,  which  dark  hue  extends 
downward  to  the  edges  of  the  abdominal  plates. 

Dimensions. — The  length  of  an  adult  specimen  is  from  twenty 
to  twenty-four  inches. 

Distribution. — The  Central  and  Western  States — Illinois 
southward  to  Arizona  and  thence  to  Vera  Cruz.  In  the  Central 
region  the  species  has  been  taken  in  the  states  of  Illinois,  Iowa, 
Kansas  and  Missouri.  It  occurs  in  Colorado  in  the  West. 


338 


THE  REPTILE  BOOK 


PLATK  C\ 


Copyright,  1907,  by  Doubleday,  Page  &  Company 
MILK  SNAKE.  Ophibolus  dohatus  tnangulus.     New  York. 
This  variety  shows  the  blotches  to  extend  but  a  moderate  distance  down  the  sides. 


Copyright.  1907.  by  Duubltday,  Page  &  Company 
SOUTHERN  MILK  SNAKE.  Ophibolus  doliatus  clericus.       Maryland. 
Examined  from  directly  above  the  serpent  appears  ringed  owing  to  the  blotches  nearly  reaching  the  abdomen- 


Copyright,  1907,  by  Doubleday,  Page  &  Company 

SCARLET  KING  SNAKE,  Ophibolus  doliatus  coccinens.     Florida. 
An  extreme  variation  of  O.  doliatus.    It  is  completely  ringed  with  the  bright  colours  and  looks  like  the  poisonous  Elaps. 


CHAPTER  XXXVII:     THE  KING  SNAKES 
GENUS  OPHIBOLUS 

Smooth-scaled  Constricting  Serpents  of  Small,  Medium'  and  Large 
Si%e,  which  Derive  the  Popular  Title  From  Their  Habit  of  Killing 
and  Eating  Both  Harmless  and  Venomous  Snakes 

THE  species  comprising  the  genus  Ophibolus  are  among  the 
most  interesting  of  the  North  American  serpents.  They  range 
in  size  from  fourteen  inches  to  six  feet  in  length,  are  of  moderately 
stout  proportions,  possess  smooth  scales — highly  polished  with 
the  greater  number — and  a  rather  small  head,  which  is  but  slightly 
distinct  from  the  neck.  The  colouration  is 'arranged  in  trans- 
verse bands  or  rings  and  is  of  striking  hues.  These  snakes  inhabit 
the  United  States,  Mexico  and  Central  America.  In  the  Old 
World  they  are  represented  by  their  near  allies — the  snakes  of 
the  genus  Coronella. 

Although  all  of  the  King  Snakes  are  powerful  constrictors 
and  feed  largely  upon  small  rodents,  they  evince  a  marked  inclina- 
tion toward  cannibalism  and  prey  frequently  upon  snakes  other 
than  their  own  species — among  these  the  poisonous  serpents. 
In  their  combats  with  the  latter  they  are  often  bitten,  but  ap- 
pear to  be  quite  immune  to  the  action  of  snake  poison. 

To  the  agriculturist,  the  King  Snakes  are  of  considerable 
economic  importance,  as  their  strong,  cylindrical  bodies,  pro- 
vided for  a  semi-underground  existence,  enable  them  to  work 
their  way  into  the  burrows  of  the  injurious  creatures  of  the  fields 
in  the  reptiles'  search  for  food.  Moreover  they  destroy  both 
the  young  and  adults  of  the  venomous  snakes.  However,  the 
King  Snakes  are  not,  as*  is  generally  alleged,  the  sworn  enemies 
of  the  dangerous  serpents.  They  are  quite  as  relentless  in  con- 
stricting and  eating  a  harmless  snake  as  a  poisonous  one.  In 
their  attitude  toward  man  the  various  species  are  among  the 
most  mild-tempered  and  inoffensive  of  snakes.  They  are  very 
hardy  in  captivity  and  will  live  for  years. 

Seven  species  of  this  genus  occur  in  the  United  States — one 

339 


The  King  Snakes 

extending  slightly  over  the  southwestern  border,  from  Mexico. 
With  the  exception  of  one  other  species  and  its  several  varieties 
(inhabiting  Mexico  and  Central  America)  this  number  represents 
the  entire  genus.  Several  of  the  species  exhibit  bewildering 
variations  of  the  pattern — in  fact,  some  of  the  varieties  have 
attained  such  distinction  in  form  and  si%e  as  well  as  their  differ- 
ences in  colouration  from  the  typical  reptile,  that  the  writer 
feels  none  too  sure  he  is  correct  in  describing  them  as  sub- 
species. Among  them,  however,  we  may  trace  a  chain  of  charac- 
ters, one  appealing  to  another.  Thus  it  appears  best  to  regard 
them  provisionally  as  varieties.  They  form  an  admirable  ex- 
ample of  the  march  of  evolution,  where  the  extension  of  habitat 
has  brought  adout  different  climatic  conditions,  inducing  a  change 
of  habits;  with  this  change,  the  pattern  is  gradually  altered  and 
Time  points  to  the  formation  of  a  distinct  species. 

Following  is  a  key  to  the  King  Snakes,  embracing  both  the 
typical  forms  and  their  varieties:* 

Key  to  the  King  Snakes 

I.     Pattern:  Alternating  half-rings  of  black,  and  red  (black-bordered) 

on  gray  ground. 

Gray,  with  half  rings  of  red  (black-bordered),  in  alternation  with 
narrow  half-rings  of  black. 
Beneath  blotched  with  black. 

DAVIS    MOUNTAIN    KING    SNAKE,  O.  altemUS. 

Distribution. — One  specimen  known — from  western  Texas. 

II.     Pattern :  Red,  yellow  and  black,  in  rings. 

Red  rings  very  wide;  black  rings  about  a  quarter  the  width  of 

tr  e  former  and  containing  a  very  narrow  and  indistinct  ring  of 

yejlow.  MEXICAN  RINGED  SNAKE,  O.  micropholis. 

Distribution. — This  phase  of  a  Mexican  species  occurs  in  the 

extreme  southern  portion  of  Arizona,  southwestern  Texas 

and  northern  Mexico. 

Red  rings  of  moderate  width ;  yellow  rings  about  half  the  width 
of  the  former  and  bordered  by  narrower  rings  of  black. 

ARIZONA    RINGED    SNAKE, 't?.  ZonatUS. 

Distribution. — Arizona  and  southern  California. 
Similar  to  the  former  on  forward  portion  of  body ;  on  latter 
portion  the  black  rings  widen,  obscuring  the  red — this  character 
usually  most  pronounced  on  abdomen. 

WESTERN   MILK    SNAKE ;  RED  KING  SNAKE;   RINGED    KING    SNAKE, 

[O.  doliatus  gentilis. 

Distribution. — Nebraska  and  Louisiana  to  S.W.Texas ;  north- 
ern Mexico. 


*  Although  the  keys  to  the  greater  number  of  genera  have  not  been 
arranged  in  tgis  fashion,  the  writer  has  considered  it  best  to  thus  treat 
this  genus,  owing  to  the  striking  variations  in  pattern  as  well  as  in  colours. 

340 


THE  REPTILE  BOOK 


PLATE  CVI 


RINGED  SXAKE,  Ophibolus  dolialus  gentilis.   From  Nebraska 
A  western  variety  of  O.  dolialus,  on  which  the  black  and  yellow  encircle  the  body 


MEXICAN  RINGED  SNAKE,  Ophibolus  mtcropholis 
Closely  allied  td  O.  doliatus.     Feeds  upon  snakes  and  lizards  and  is  strikingly  like  the  Mexican  Coral  Snake 


-Elaps 


THE  REPTILE  BOOK 


PLATE  CV11 


ARIZONA  KING  SNAKE;   RINGED  SNAKE,  Ophibolns  zonatus.    From  Arizona 

Two  distinct  phases  inhabit  Arizona  and  California,  respectively.     The  colours  are  scarlet,  yellow,  and  black,  arranged  in  rings. 

On  the  Arizona  phase,  the  black  predominates 


ARIZONA  RINGED  SNAKE;  KING  SNAKE,  Ophibohis  zonatus.     Southern  California 
The  California  phase  is  regularly  ringed  and  the  most  beautiful  snake  found  in  the  extreme  West 


SAY'S  KING  SNAKE,  Ophibolus  getulus  sayi 
Found  in  the  lower  portion  of  the  Mississippi  Valley  and  is  remarkable  in  having  a  bright  green  spot  in  the  centre  of  each  scale 


The  King  Snakes 


Red  rings  widest  ;  yellow  rings  bordered  by  equal-sized  rings  of 
black.     This  is  much  the  smaller  of  the  ringed  King  Snakes. 
SCARLET  KING  SNAKE;  "CORAL  SNAKE,"  O.  doliatus  coccineus. 
Distribution.  —  North  Carolina  to  Florida;  westward  to  the 
Mississippi. 

III.  Pattern  :  Red  or  brownish  blotches  on  a  pale  ground. 

a.  Blotches  wide. 

Yellowish,  with  red  (black-bordered)  blotches  extending  to 
the  first  row  of  scales. 

SOUTHERN  MILK  SNAKE,  O.  doliatus  (typical). 

Distribution.  —  Maryland  to  Florida  ;  westward  to  Texas. 

Yellow  or  gray,  with  red  or  brown    (black-bordered),  blotches 

reaching  the  third  row  of  scales;  small,  alternating  blotches 

on  sides.  RED  MILK  SNAKE,  O.  doliatus  clericus. 

Distribution.  —  Southern    New    Jersey  to   North    Carolina; 

westward  to  Illinois. 

Yellow  or  gray,  with  brownish  (black-bordered)  blotches  reach- 
ing to  about  fifth  row  of  scales  ;  smaller  blotches  on  sides. 

MILK  SNAKE;  HOUSE  SNAKE,  O.  doliatus  triangulus. 
Distribution.  —  The  New  England  States  to  North  Carolina; 
westward    to  Wisconsin. 

b.  Blotches  small  and  oblong. 

Pale  brown,  with  darker   brown   blotches   on   back   and  a 
smaller  series  on  sides.     No  bands  on  top  of  head. 

BROWN  KING  SNAKE,  O.  rhombomaculatus  . 
Distribution.  —  Maryland  to  South  Carolina  ;  westward  to  the 

Allegheny  Mountains. 

Brownish-gray,  with  dark  brown  blotches  (black-bordered)  on 
back  and  smaller  blotches  on  sides  ;  usually  a  band  across,  and 
lengthwise  on  top  of  head. 

YELLOW-BELLIED    KING    SNAKE,  O.  Calligaster. 

Distribution.  —  Minnesota  to  northern  Texas;  eastward  to 
Indiana  and  westward  to  Kansas. 

IV.  Pattern:  Pale  and  narrow  transverse  bands  on  a  darker  ground. 
Black,  brown  or  green,  with  yellow  or  white  transverse  bands 

which  fork  and  join  one  another  on  side  in  chain-like  fashion. 

CHAIN  SNAKE;  COMMON  KING  SNAKE,  O.  getulus. 

Distribution.  —  Southern  New  Jersey  to  Florida;  westward 

to  Louisiana. 

Black  or  brown  with  white  or  yellow  transverse  bands  which 
widen  on  sides.  BOYLE'S  KING  SNAKE,  0.  getulus  boylii. 

Distribution.  —  California,  Arizona  and  Nevada. 
Appeals  to  the  former,  but  many  of  the  rings  are  broken  and  in- 
terspersed with  short  stripes. 

CALIFORNIA  KING  SNAKE,  O.  getulus  California. 
Distribution.  —  Southern  California;  Lower  California. 

V.  Pattern:  A  pale  spot  in  the  centre  of  each  scale. 

Black,  with  a  yellow,  green  or  white  spot  in  the  centre  of  each 
scale.  SAY'S  KING  SNAKE,  O.  getulus  sayi. 

Distribution.  —  Southern  Illinois  through  the  southern  plains 
region,  and  south  to  Louisiana  and  western  Texas. 

As  has  hitherto  been  the  custom  in  this  work,  the  arrange- 
ment of  species  in  the  key  has  been  guided  solely  by  the  idea 
to  group  them  in  a  fashion  that  may  be  used  in  hasty  identifi- 
cation —  not  from  the  standpoint  of  technical  classification.  This 
has  been  the  case  with  the  King  Snakes,  as  their  peculiar  patterns 


The  King  Snakes 

may  be  readily  divided  in  the  construction  of  a  popular  key, 
though  the  division  throws  the  species  out  of  scientific  order  in 
their  structural  relationship  to  one  another.  In  the  following 
descriptive  list  the  species  are  arranged  in  scientific  order,  and  the 
sub-species  or  varieties  precede  or  follow  the  typical  form,  ac- 
cording to  the  trend  of  their  variation. 

THE  MILK  SNAKE;  HOUSE  SNAKE;   "CHECKERED 

ADDER" 
Opbibolus  doliatus  variety  triangulus,  (Daudin) 

This  is  the  largest  of  the  varieties  of  O.  doliatus — the  South- 
ern Milk  Snake — and  the  most  distinct  from  it  in  pattern  as  a 
spotted  snake.  It  attains  a  length  of  about  a  yard,  is  moderately 
slender,  cylindrical  in  shape,  and  possesses  a  small  head  which 
is  but  little  distinct  from  the  neck.  The  scales  are  perfectly 
smooth,  of  a  satiny  lustre,  and  in  21  rows. 

Colouration. — Gray  above,  with  a  series  of  large,  chestnut- 
brown  or  olive-brown  saddles  on  the  back,  these  narrowly  bor- 
dered with  black.  The  blotches  extend  down  the  sides  to  about 
the  fifth  row  of  scales  (above  the  abdominal  plates).  In  alter- 
nation with  the  blotches  on  the  back,  is  a  series  of  smaller  blotches 
on  the  side. 

The  first  of  the  series  of  central  blotches — this  covering 
the  head  and  a  portion  of  the  neck,  is  elongated  and  encloses  a 
triangular  patch  of  the  pale  ground-colour,  the  point  directed 
toward  the  body;  the  base  of  this  triangle  is  niched  by  the 
dark  colour  of  the  blotch,  on  many  specimens,  imparting  a  forked 
outline  to  that  part  of  the  triangle  directed  toward  the  head.  A 
narrow  band  extends  from  behind  the  eye  to  the  angle  of  the 
mouth. 

The  abdomen  is  white,  marked  boldly  and  irregularly  with 
square  black  spots  and  blotches. 

Colouration  of  the  young. — A  newly  hatched  specimen  shows 
the  same  pattern  as  the  parent,  but  the  blotches  on  the  back 
and  the  sides  are  distinctly  reddish,  and  bordered  with  jet-black. 

Half-grown  specimens  usually  possess  rich  crimson  blotches 
and  at  this  stage  resemble  in  their  colours  the  more  Southern 
Milk  Snake — the  variety  clericus — from  which  they  may  be 
distinguished  by  the  shape  of  the  pale  patch  of  ground-colour 

342 


The  King  Snakes 

within  the  first  blotch  of  the  upper  series  and  the  generally  nar- 
rower character  of  the  blotches. 

Dimensions. — The  common  Milk  Snake  attains  a  length  of 
three  and  a  half  feet,  but  such  dimensions  are  above  the  average, 
which  is  given: 

Total  Length 34     inches. 

Length  of  Tail 5 

Greatest  Diameter f       " 

WidthofHead f      " 

Length  of  Head I 

Distribution. — The  southern  New  England  States  southward 
to  North  Carolina  and  westward  to  Illinois  and  Wisconsin.  This 
serpent  is  particularly  abundant  in  the  counties  of  Ulster,  Green, 
Delaware  and  Sullivan,  of  New  York  State. 

Habits  of  the  Milk  Snake 

From  the  habit  of  prowling  about  the  vicinity  of  stables 
and  dairies  (in  search  of  mice  and  rats),  this  prettily  coloured 
snake  has  acquired  the  bad  reputation  of  stealing  milk  from  the 
cows,  and  making  inroads  upon  the  farmer's  product  to  such 
an  extent  that  he  may  actually  suffer  financial  loss  from  the 
depredations  committed  by  one  of  these  reptiles.  This  is  one 
of  the  many  fallacies  existing  about  snakes,  and  resulting  in  an 
unjust  slaughter  of  really  useful  creatures.  Snakes  show  no 
liking  for  milk.  Captive  specimens  cannot  be  induced  to  drink 
it  unless  suffering  from  great  thirst.  Tt  would  be  a  feat  beyond 
physical  possibility  for  a  serpent  the  size  of  the  largest  Milk  Snake 
to  consume  enough  milk  from  a  cow — if  the  reptile  should  be  so 
inclined — to  produce  an  effect  noticeable  to  the  most  minute 
degree.  When  mature,  this  snake  attains  a  length  of  about  a 
yard,  and  is  of  rather  slender  build.  A  serpent  of  this  size  could 
consume,  if  drinking  its  full  of  water,  a  quantity  equivalent  to 
about  two  teaspoonsful ;  this  would  demonstrate  its  capacity  for 
milk,  and  any  cow  that  fed  upon  the  scantiest  vegetation  that 
ever  graced  sterile  soil  should  yield  enough  milk  to  allow  for  this 
quantity  to  be  lost  without  being  noted  by  the  dairyman.  In- 
cidentally it  might  be  explained  that  the  Milk  Snake  frequents 
country  where  the  grazing  is  good  and  the  cattle  yield  much 
milk.  In  the  face  of  these  circumstances  the  reader  is  asked  to 
ponder  on  the  logic  of  the  farmer  who  declares  that  a  single 

343 


King  Snakes 

"Milk"  Snake  can  steal  enough  milk  from  one  of  his  cows  to  pro- 
duce a  marked  deficiency  to  be  noted  at  milking  time. 

The  Milk  Snake  is  a  rather  secretive  species,  hiding  under 
flat  stones  or  debris  and  preferring  to  prowl  late  in  the  day  or 
at  twilight  than  during  the  brightest  hours  of  light.  It  is  par- 
ticularly fond  of  small  rodents,  and  feeds  largely  upon  mice  and 
young  rats.  Like  all  the  snakes  of  the  genus  Opbibolus,  its  habits 
incline  toward  cannibalism,  and  it  feeds  frequently  upon  the 
young  of  other  snakes,  besides  such  lizards  as  the  "blue-tail" 
and  the  swift,  which  it  hunts  at  night  as  these  creatures  take 
refuge  in  the  crevices  of  bark  on  fallen  trees.  The  writer  dis- 
sected a  specimen  that  had  been  killed  in  a  barn,  in  Sullivan 
County,  N.  Y.  The  stomach  contained  five  very  young  rats. 
Confronted  by  this  demonstration  of  the  reptile's  useful  habits, 
the  man  who  had  killed  the  snake  stubbornly  remarked  that  "a 
snake  is  a  snake"  and  refused  further  argument. 

In  captivity  this  snake  is  indifferent  in  feeding  and  seldom 
lives  long.  It  prefers  mice,  which  are  quickly  constricted  to 
death  in  the  reptile's  strong  coils.  Young  specimens  can  seldom 
be  induced  to  take  food  of  any  character.  Although  rather  a 
quiet  reptile,  the  Milk  Snake  will  sometimes  resent  handling  in 
a  curious  and  rather  treacherous  manner.  Without  a  pretence 
of  striking  it  will  swing  the  head  about  suddenly  and  grasp  the 
hand,  when  it  deliberately  chews  in  such  a  manner  that  the  fine, 
recurved  teeth  lacerate  the  flesh  sufficiently  to  bring  the  blood, 
although  the  minute  punctures  are  but  very  superficial  wounds 
and  heal  at  once,  like  a  scratch  from  a  pin  point. 

The  breeding  habits  of  this  species  represents  those  of  the 
typical  oviparous — egg-laying — snakes.  From  the  notes  that 
follow  these  characters  are  well  illustrated. 

A  specimen  taken  near  Englewood,  New  Jersey,  and  measur- 
ing 31  inches  in  length,  deposited  eight  eggs,  on  the  lotrl  of  July. 
The  eggs  were  oval,  with  a  leathery  shell,  and  presented  the  same 
soft  and  white  external  appearance  as  the  surface  of  a  toadstool. 
This  batch  of  eggs  was  placed  in  damp  wood-pulp.  At  regular 
intervals  one  was  taken  from  the  lot  and  opened,  in  order  to 
observe  the  growth  of  the  embryos.  During  the  process  of 
of  incubation  care  was  taken  to  keep  the  eggs  from  "drowning" 
— absorbing  too  much  moisture.  They  solidify  if  kept  too 
damp.  A  list  of  the  results  is  given: 

344 


The  King  Snakes 

July  loth.  Eggs  deposited.  Symmetrically  oval  in  shape; 
length,  i  £  inches — diameter,  \  an  inch.  On  open- 
ing one  of  these  eggs  it  was  found  to  contain 
a  tightly  coiled  embryo,  two  inches  long,  with  well- 
developed  head  and  eyes  well  discernible. 

July  1 9th.  The  eggs  are  irregular  and  lumpy  in  outline. 
Length,  \\  inches — greatest  diameter,  ||  of  an 
inch.  One  opened ;  contained  embryo  3 \  inches  long. 
When  the  same  is  closely  examined  the  formation 
of  the  scales  can  be  plainly  seen.  The  speci- 
men is  translucent  and  when  held  against  the 
light  the  heart  may  be  seen  beating  in  lively 
fashion. 

Aug.  6th.  Another  of  the  eggs  opened;  it  contains  an 
embryo  4!  inches  long,  and  much  less  translucent 
than  that  of  the  preceding  observation.  The 
scalation  is  well  formed,  but  no  pattern  is  appar- 
ent. 

Sept.  4th.  The  remaining  eggs  about  to  hatch.  The  young 
snakes  have  cut  openings  in  the  shells  and  oc- 
casionally protrude  the  tip  of  the  snout  for  air. 

Sept.  5th.  All  of  the  young  snakes  have  emerged.  They 
are  yf  inches  in  length,  and  T\  of  an  inch  in 
diameter  at  the  thickest  part  of  the  body.  In  pat- 
tern they  are  like  the  adult,  though  the  blotches 
on  the  back  are  of  a  more  reddish  tinge.  About 
three  hours  after  hatching  they  shed  their  skins. 
At  the  time  of  hatching  the  eggs  are  nearly  twice 
the  size  than  when  laid. 

Another  specimen  deposited  eleven  eggs  on  the  I2th  of 
July,  which  were  adherent  in  a  cluster.  This  female  was  found 
coiled  about  the  eggs — thus  gathering  them  tightly  together. 
The  same  habit  was  observed  with  several  specimens.  The  brood 
in  question  hatched  between  September  6th  and  8th.  (Illus- 
tration, female  and  eggs. 

A  fine  specimen  taken  but  a  week  previously  near  Ft.  Lee, 
New  Jersey,  laid  nine  eggs  on  July  28th.  This  female  remained 
coiled  about  the  cluster  for  twenty-four  hours.  The  young 
snakes  emerged  on  October  ist,  2d,  and  3d. 

The  writer  has  examined  a  remarkable  two-headed  individual 
of  this  species,  which  creature  fed  upon  very  young  mice.  How- 
ever, the  two  heads  had  energetic  quarrels  for  priority  in  swal- 
lowing, although  both  throats  led  to  a  single  channel  connecting 
with  one  stomach.  In  progressing  there  was  a  tendency  for  the 
two  heads  to  disagree,  and  locomotion  was  slow  and  erratic. 

345 


The  King  Snakes 

The  movements  of  the  heads  were  entirely  independent  of  each 
other.  While  one  would  be  gazing  about,  with  quivering  tongue, 
the  other  might  be  quiescent.  This  unique  reptile  lived  for 
about  a  year,  actually  growing  to  about  two-thirds  the  length 
of  an  adult  specimen. 

THE  RED  MILK  SNAKE 
Ophibolus  doliatus  variety  dencus,  (B.  &.  G.) 

Smaller  than  the  preceding  serpent  and  more  closely  re- 
sembling the  typical  form,  owing  to  the  wider  blotches  and  the 
paler  ground-colour,  imparting  more  the  appearance  of  being 
ringed  above  with  scarlet  and  yellow  than  blotched  or  spotted 
like  the  variety  triangulus — the  Northern  Milk  Snake. 

Colouration. — Yellowish  above,  with  a  series  of  large,  deep 
scarlet,  transverse  blotches,  narrowly  bordered  with  black, 
which  vary  in  their  extension  to  the  third,  second  or  first  rows  of 
scales — the  majority  reaching  the  two  latter  rows.  With  some  speci- 
mens the  blotches  are  chestnut  brown.  There  is  a  row  of  smaller, 
alternating  blotches  on  the  sides,  widely  margined  with  black 
which  so  fuses  over  many  of  them  as  to  nearly  obliterate  the  red. 

The  head  is  mostly  red  above,  with  a  small,  light  spot  above 
each  eye.  Immediately  behind  the  head  and  preceding  the 
first  of  the  regular  blotches  is  a  circular  spot  of  the  ground-colour, 
ringed  with  black;  this  takes  the  place  of  the  triangular  patch 
of  light  colour  on  the  neck  of  the  Northern  form — triangulus, 
and  is  a  useful  character  to  be  considered  in  distinguishing  the 
present  variety. 

The  abdomen  is  white,  boldly  tessellated  with  black. 

Examined  from  above,  this  variety  looks  like  a  red  snake, 
marked  with  narrow  rings  of  yellow  or  pale  gray — the  latter 
bordered  with  narrower  rings  of  black.  From  the  side,  ^ he  large 
blotches  will  be  seen  to  be  wider  than  with  the  variety  triangulus 
— extending  much  nearer  the  edges  of  the  abdominal  plates. 

Dimensions. — An  adult  specimen  from  Washington,  D.  C.t 
shows  the  following  measurements: 

Total  Length 19    inches. 

Length  of  Tail 2f       " 

Diameter  of  Body JL.      " 

Width  of  Head f      " 

Length  of  Head £      " 

346 


The  King  Snakes 

Distribution. — It  appears  that  this  variety  takes  the  place 
of  triangulus  in  the  southern  portion  of  the  latter's  range  and 
thus  forming  the  connecting  link  in  the  distribution  of  varieties 
with  the  typical  form — a  Southern  reptile.  The  range  of  the 
Red  Milk  Snake  extends  some  distance  northward  into  that  of 
the  Northern  form  and  they  intermingle  from  southern  New 
Jersey  westward  to  the  Mississippi.  The  present  form  extends 
southward  to  Georgia. 

Variations. — The  sub-species  under  consideration  is  itself 
subject  to  some  variation  of  pattern — although  the  differences 
are  but  superficial.  On  certain  specimens,  the  first  light  patch 
of  colour  behind  the  head  extends  as  a  half  ring  around  the  neck 
instead  of  being  confined  to  a  circular  area  above.  From  a  spec- 
imen showing  this  slight  variation  was  based  the  variety  " col- 
laris."  Sometimes  the  light  patch  of  colour  extends  forward 
to  the  temples — a  character  eliciting  the  name  "temporalis." 
If  such  varieties  are  to  be  considered  of  good  standing,  future 
investigations  with  large  series  of  reptiles  would  cause  our  lists 
of  the  North  American  serpents  and  lizards — many  species  of 
which  vary  almost  individually  as  specimens — to  attain  stupen- 
dous proportions. 

Habits. — The  habits  of  this  pretty  creature  in  no  way  differ 
from  those  of  the  Northern  form.  Freshly  captured  specimens 
evince  an  irritable  disposition,  but  soon  become  tame.  They 
vibrate  the  tail  rapidly  when  annoyed.  If  a  newly  caught 
specimen  is  handled,  it  will  run  its  snout  over  the  flesh  in  a  deliber- 
ate fashion,  as  if  seeking  for  a  tender  spot  on  which  to  employ 
its  minute  teeth  and  finally  bite  and  retain  its  hold,  advancing 
the  jaws  forward  in  chewing  fashion  in  emphasis  of  its  displeasure. 
Specimens  in  the  writer's  collection  were  indifferent  in  their 
feeding.  A  few  were  induced  to  take  very  young  mice.  One 
specimen  ate  a  green  snake  (Liopeltis  vernalis). 

This  is  one  of  the  useful  reptiles.  It  leads  a  generally  secre- 
tive life,  prowling  about  stone  piles  or  under  the  loose  bark  of 
fallen  and  decaying  timber,  in  which  situations  it  feeds  largely 
upon  wild  mice  and  rats,  occasionally  varying  the  diet  with  lizards 
and  snakes.  If  captive  specimens  are  in  good  trim  a  mix-up  is 
liable  at  feeding  time.  Fighting  for  a  mouse  the  examples  may 
knot  into  a  constricting  ball,  in  which  the  smaller  ones  are 
liable  to  be  crushed. 

347 


The  King  Snakes 

THE   SOUTHERN   MILK   SNAKE;    RED    KING  SNAKE 
Ophibolus  doliatus,  (Linn.) 

This  reptile,  supposed  to  be  the  ancestral  form  of  the  con- 
fusing variations  coming  under  the  technical  head  of  Ophibolus 
doliatus,  forms  the  connecting  link  between  those  varieties  having 
blotches  or  saddles  of  a  reddish  hue  on  the  back,  these  enclosed 
within  a  narrow  black  border,  and  the  forms  that  are  completely 
ringed  about  the  body  with  the  black,  the  yellow  and  partially 
or  completely  with  the  red.  The  typical  form  is  smaller  than 
either  of  the  preceding  varieties. 

Colouration. — The  red  saddles  are  wider  than  with  either 
of  the  preceding  varieties,  the  red  reaching  to  the  first  row  of  scales 
and  the  black  extending  over  the  edges  of  the  abdominal  plates.  The 
smaller,  alternating  blotches  contain  little  or  no  red,  and  extend 
along  the  edges  of  the  abdominal  plates. 

The  large  blotches  are  usually  rich  scarlet,  the  spaces  between 
them  either  yellow  or  grayish  white.  Examined  from  directly 
above,  the  snake  appears  to  be  marked  with  broad  rings  of  scarlet 
and  narrower  rings  of  yellow,  bordered  with  black.  The  abdomen 
is  white  or  yellow,  with  numerous  black  blotches.  The  lower 
borders  of  the  larger  blotches  sometimes  fuse  into  parallel  black 
bands  on  the  abdomen — a  phase  of  pattern  eliciting  the  varietal 
name  parallelus,  of  Prof.  Cope. 

The  top  of  the  head  may  be  almost  entirely  black  or  reddish, 
with  a  broad  black  band — with  some  specimens  largely  yellow. 
Unlike  the  preceding  varieties  (triangulus  and  clericus)  there  is 
no  pale  band  from  behind  the  eye  to  the  angle  of  the  mouth. 

Dimensions. — The  general  conformation  is  much  like  the 
preceding  forms,  but  this  form  is  distinctly  smaller  in  size. 

Distribution. — Maryland  to  Florida.  In  the  northern  portion 
of  the  range — westward  to  Illinois.  In  the  southern  portion, 
westward  to  Oklahoma  and  eastern  Texas. 

WESTERN  MILK  SNAKE;  RINGED  KING  SNAKE 

Ophibolus  doliatus  variety  gentilis,  (B.  &  G.) 

In  the  consideration  of  this  variety,  we  observe  another 

phase  of  variation  away  from  the  ancestral  form.      While    the 

preceding  varieties  have  inclined  toward  a  constriction  of  the 

red  blotches,  thus  presenting  a  more  spotted  appearance  than  the 

348 


THE  REPTILE  BOOK 


PLATE  CVIII 


COMMON  KING  SNAKE  ;  CHAIN  SNAKE,  Ophibolus  getulus 

A  notoriously  cannibalistic   reptile  of  the  Southeast.     It  kills  and  eats  venomous  as  well  as  harmless  serpents,  and  is  immune  to 
the  bites  of  the  former.     Also  feeds  upon  rodents.     It  is  a  curiously  gentle  reptile  as  regards  its  demeanour  toward  man 


BOYLE'S  KING  SNAKE,  Ophibolus  getulus  boylii 
Differ?  from  the  preceding  only  in  the  pattern  and  distribution.     The  range  embraces  Arizona  and  southern  California 


THE  REPTILE  Boos 


PLATE  CIX 


HEADS  OF  MISCELLANEOUS  HARMLESS  SERPENTS 
Pacific  Brown  Snake,  Contia  mitis.  2  and  6     Yellow-lipped  Snake,  Rhadinea  flavilata. 


4  and  5    Rod:  Snake  (Genus  Hypsiglena). 

~~  "  13  -  Riunbow  Snake,  Abastor  erythrogrammus. 

10  "  ii    Red-bellied  Snake,  Farancia  abacura. 


8  Scarlet  Snake,  Cemophora  coccinea. 

9  Sharp-nosed  Snake,  Rhinochilus  kcontei. 


The  King  Snakes 

typical  form,  the  trend  of  variation  with  the  succeeding  forms 
is  quite  in  the  opposite  direction — that  is,  the  red  areas  are  in- 
clined to  widen  and  their  black  borders  to  extend  around  the 
body  as  rings,  producing  much  the  same  effect  as  the  pattern 
of  the  venomous  coral  snakes  (Elaps),  hence  these  reptiles  are 
among  those  serpents  that  "mimic"  the  poisonous  colubrine 
snakes. 

The  status  of  the  present  variety  is  somewhat  doubtful.  It 
is  the  Western  representative  of  the  ancestral  fortn,  and  extends 
well  within  the  Western  range  of  the  latter.  Some  specimens 
are  symmetrically  ringed  with  the  black;  others  have  large  black 
blotches  on  the  abdomen  beneath  the  red  areas.  It  is  possible 
that  these  differences  should  be  recognised  under  distinct,  varietal 
names,  yet  the  confusing,  intergrading  forms  cause  one  to  hesitate 
before  adopting  such  a  course.  Technical  workers  have  much 
to  do  in  solving  this  problem,  one  way  or  the  other. 

The  Mexican  Ringed  King  Snakes,  recognised  specifically 
under  the  technical  head  of  annulatus  or  micropholis,  are  very 
closely  allied  to  the  present  variety.  An  elaborate  series  of  spec- 
imens might  prove  the  array  of  forms  extending  through  Mexico 
and  Central  America,  to  be  simply  a  chain  of  varieties  connect- 
ing with  the  North  American  forms. 

Colouration. — Red  bands  above,  more  broadly  bordered 
with  black  than  existing  with  the  other  varieties  of  doliatus  al- 
ready described,  the  black  usually  encircling  the  body  as  pairs 
of  rings ;  between  these  rings  is  a  narrow  area  of  yellow. 

On  many  specimens,  the  space  on  the  abdomen  directly 
beneath  the  red  is  entirely  suffused  with  black,  the  red  extending 
downward  to  the  abdominal  plates.  Both  from  above  and  from 
the  side,  such  a  specimen  presents  a  ringed  appearance.  Above, 
the  larger  areas  are  rich  scarlet. 

On  occasional  specimens  the  black  rings  fuse  into  a  smoky 
band  along  the  back. 

The  entire  top  of  the  head  is  usually  black  with  the  excep- 
tion of  the  snout,  which  is  red. 

As  this  is  a  very  variable  form,  numerous  specimens  may  be 
found  that  will  greatly  confuse  the  student  in  separating  it  from 
doliatus.  The  tendency  of  the  black  to  form  rings  about  the 
body;  the  extension  of  the  red  to  the  abdominal  plates  and  the 
consequent  absence  of  a  black-bordered,  saddle-like  pattern  are 

349 


The  King  Snakes 

the  most  important  points  of  discrimination.  Besides  these 
characters,  it  should  be  noted  that  there  are  no  smaller,  alter- 
nating blotches  on  the  sides. 

Dimensions. — This  is  a  slightly  larger  reptile  than  the  typical 
form,  though  of  the  same  conformation.  An  adult  specimen 
will  measure  about  28  inches. 

Distribution. — Nebraska   and   western    Louisiana   to   south- 
western Texas  and  northern  Mexico. 
• 

THE  SCARLET   KING  SNAKE;  "CORAL  SNAKE" 
Oplibolus  doliatus,  variety  coccineus,  (Schlegel) 

The  present  form  is  the  most  pronounced  and  removed  from 
the  typical  form  of  any  of  its  varieties.  It  represents  the  greatest 
development  of  the  ringed  pattern,  not  only  the  black  completely 
encircling  the  body,  but  the  red  and  yellow  as  well.  It  is  also 
the  smallest  of  the  forms,  the  most  slender  in  proportion  and  pos- 
sesses the  most  pointed  snout.  Compared  with  the  most  special- 
ised of  the  spotted  forms — the  variety  triangulus — the  Northern 
Milk  Snake,  it  might  first  appear,  to  the  popular  observer,  in 
the  discrepancy  of  size,  entire  difference  of  pattern  and  colours, 
form  of  body  and  shape  of  the  head,  to  represent  not  merely 
a  distinct  species,  but  belong  to  a  different  genus  as  well.  It  has 
adopted  burrowing  habits.  Degeneration  has  progressed  rapidly. 
As  an  instance  of  this  we  find  occasional  specimens  with  the 
loreal  plate  (between  the  eye  plate  and  the  nasal  plate)  missing. 
If  such  a  character  were  constant  the  snake  would  represent  a 
very  distinct  species,  and  be  excluded  from  the  genus  Opbibolus. 
On  such  specimens  the  number  of  scale  rows  is  also  reduced — 
they  have  been  described  under  the  head  of  Osceola  elapsoidea. 
As  the  intergrading  forms  are  numerous — sometimes  specimens 
with  a  loreal  on  but  one  side  of  the  head — we  cannot,  at  the 
present  state  of  this  reptile's  development,  give  specific  rank  to 
specimens  of  this  character. 

Colouration. — Brilliantly  ringed  with  scarlet,  yellow  and 
black.  The  scarlet  rings  are  widest,  and  completely  encircle 
the  body  with  the  majority  of  specimens;  the  yellow  rings  are 
about  half  the  width  of  the  red  and  bordered  on  each  side  by 
rings  of  black,  which,  on  the  back,  are  of  about  the  same  width 
as  the  yellow.  On  the  sides  the  black  rings  become  narrowed 


The  King  Snakes 


(owing  to  the  widening  of  the  yellow)  and  are  very  narrow  or 
sometimes  broken  into  blotches  on  the  abdomen.  On  the  ab- 
domen, some  of  the  yellow  rings  enclose  spots.  There  is  a  yellow 
ring  around  the  neck  immediately  behind  the  head;  in  front  of  it 
is  a  patch  or  band  of  black  confined  to  the  top  of  the  head;  the 
snout  is  red. 

Variations. — Young  specimens  differ  from  the  adults  in 
possessing  white  rings  in  place  of  the  yellow.  On  some  adult 
specimens  the  red  and  yellow  do  not  completely  encircle  the  ab- 
domen, which  is  white  in  the  centre,  irregularly  blotched  with 
black.  The  sides,  however,  present  a  perfectly  ringed  pattern 
which  distinguishes  such  individuals  from  the  typical  form. 

Dimensions. — This  variety  is  of  small  size  and  slender  of 
body,  with  a  narrow  head,  not  distinct  from  the  neck  and  sharp 
and  conical  at  the  snout.  The  measurements  are  of  a  fully 
adult  specimen  from  Marion  County,  Florida: 

Total  Length 14    inches. 

Length  of  Tail 2j 

Greatest  Diameter \ 

Length  of  Head \ 

Distribution. — The  southeastern  United  States,  from  central 
North  Carolina,  through  Florida  and  westward  to  the  Mississippi. 

" Mimicry:"  The  Scarlet  King  Snake  and  another  serpent 
of  an  entirely  different  genus — the  Scarlet  Snake  (Cemophora 
coccinea)  are  quite  similar  in  their  colours  and  pattern  to  a  poison- 
ous reptile,  the  Coral  Snake  (Elaps  fulvius),  that  inhabits  the 
same  areas  as  each  of  the  former  reptiles.  As  a  consequence 
they  are  sometimes  mistaken  for  the  venomous  snake  and  vice 
versa.  A  brief  key,  with  a  few  words  of  explanation,  will  enable 
the  student  to  easily  separate  these  specimens. 

The  distinctive  differences  may  be  thus  outlined: 

Red  and  yellow 
rings  broad;  we  yel- 
low bordered  with  nar- 
rower rings  of  black. 

Snout  red ; pointed. 


Ringed,  with  yellow, 
red  and  black 


SCARLET    KING 
SNAKE 


Red  and  black 
rings  broad ;  the  black 
bordered  with  very 
narrow  rings  of  yellow; 
snout  black,  blunt 
and  rounded. 


CORAL    SNAKE 


The  King  Snakes 


isb-wbite  beneath. 

From  the  preceding  it  will  be  understood  that  the  Scarlet 
King  Snake  and  the  Scarlet  Snake  are  very  similar  in  pattern. 
The  sharp  snout  and  similar  proportions  of  each  intensifies  the 
resemblance.  The  latter  species,  however,  may  be  immediately 
recognised  by  its  immaculate  white  abdomen.  The  Scarlet 
King  Snake  might  be  confused  with  the  Coral  Snake  upon  a 
superficial  examination  owing  to  it  being  ringed  with  the  same 
colours  as  the  latter.  A  very  simple  formula  to  remember  is  this, 
which  at  once  distinguishes  each:  The  black  rings  of  the  Coral 
Snake  are  broad,  and  bordered  on  each  side  by  a  very  narrow  yellow 
ring.  In  the  pattern  of  the  small  King  Snake  the  yellow  rings  are 
fairly  broad  and  bordered  on  each  side  by  slightly  narrower  rings  of 
Hack.  The  heads  of  the  two  reptiles  are  markedly  different,  that 
of  the  venomous  snake,  broad  and  rounded;  that  of  the  harmless 
species,  sharp  and  conical. 

Habits.  —  The  Scarlet  King  Snake  is  a  burrowing  species, 
thus  demonstrating  in  habits,  as  well  in  form,  its  degenerate  char- 
acter as  compared  with  the  other  snakes  of  the  genus  Opbibolus. 
Specimens  may  be  most  commonly  found  under  the  loose  bark 
of  fallen  and  decaying  trees.  Here  they  prey  upon  the  smaller 
species  of  snakes,  lizards  or  upon  very  young  mice  that  are  yet 
in  the  nest.  It  is  probable  that  this  little  snake  issues  at  night 
from  its  lair  and  searches  in  crevices  in  the  bark  for  various  lizards 
that  crawl  into  such  places  to  sleep.  This  theory  appears  logical 
after  an  examination  of  a  series  of  preserved  specimens,  in  which 
the  stomachs  of  several  contained  the  remains  of  swifts  (Scelopoms) 
and  "blue-tail"  lizards  (Eumeces). 

In  captivity  this  snake  evinces  a  very  gentle  deposition, 
seldom  offering  to  bite.  However,  it  invariably  burrows  into  the 
soil  of  its  cage  or  hides  under  loose  objects,  such  as  pieces  of  bark 
or  flat  stones.  Thus  it  constitutes  a  very  indifferent  object  for 
observation  and  study.  While  displaying  a  very  indifferent 
appetite  as  a  captive,  it  may  be  occasionally  induced  to  take 
very  young  mice.  Although  diminutive  in  make-up,  the  reptile 
constricts  its  prey  in  exactly  the  same  fashion  as  its  larger  and 
more  powerful  allies. 

352 


The  King  Snakes 

THE   MEXICAN    KING  SNAKE 
Ophibolus  microplolis,  (Cope) 

Very  closely  allied  to  the  Western  variety  of  the 
Milk  Snake  group — 0.  doliatus  and  its  varieties,  this  Mexi- 
can and  Central  American  reptile  exhibits  an  amazing  de- 
gree of  variation.  Further  investigations,  with  large  series 
of  specimens  from  various  localities,  may  demonstrate  that 
it  is  but  a  Southern  variety  of  the  former  snake — doliatus. 
It  attains  a  length  of  about  a  yard  and  is  of  moderate  thick- 
ness. 

Colouration. — The  pattern  of  the  phase  occurring  in  northern 
Mexico  and  the  extreme  southwestern  portion  of  the  United 
States,  is  rather  different  from  the  ringed  King  Snakes  of  the 
latter  country.  The  colouration  consists  of  rather  narrow  black 
rings,  each  enclosing  a  very  narrow  and  rather  obscure  ring  of 
yellow.  The  black  rings  are  separated  by  very  wide  interspaces 
of  rich  reddish-brown  or  scarlet — fully  four  or  five  times  the 
width  of  the  black. 

The  head  is  black  above,  with  a  bright  yellow  band  across 
the  rear  portion.  The  chin  is  black,  with  a  similar  band. 

It  will  be  appreciated  that  the  red  greatly  predominates. 
A  superficial  examination  of  the  greater  number  of  northern 
Mexican  specimens  might  result  in  the  impression  of  a  brick-red 
snake,  marked  simply  with  rather  narrow  black  rings  at  a  con- 
siderable distance  apart;  the  faint  yellow  rings  within  the 
black  would  be  possibly  overlooked.  Curiously  enough, 
the  poisonous  Coral  Snake  (Elaps  fulvius)  occurring  in  the 
districts  inhabited  by  this  distinct  variety  is  marked  in 
precisely  a  similar  fashion — with  one  exception,  and  that 
so  obscurely  delineated  as  not  to  detract  from  the  strik- 
ing resemblance  of  pattern.  Instead  of  the  black  ring  en- 
closing a  faint,  streaky  ring  of  yellow,  the  black  rings  of 
the  poisonous  serpent  are  faintly  bordered  with  yellow.  At 
a  glance,  it  appears  like  the  harmless  serpent — a  brick-red 
reptile  with  black  rings  at  considerable  distances  apart.  With 
both  species  the  head  is  black,  with  a  broad  yellow  band  across 
the  temples. 

Dimensions. — The   measurements    are   of   an    adult    female 
specimen  from  the  state  of  Sinaloa,  in  western  Mexico: 

353 


The  King  Snakes 

Total  Length 36    inches. 

Length  of  Fail 5 

Greatest  Diameter f       " 

WidthofHead f 

Length  of  Head i 

Distribution. — The  distribution  of  this  phase  of  the  Mexican 
King  Snake  is  the  extreme  southern  portions  of  Arizona  and 
New  Mexico  and  northern  Mexico  generally.  The  species  to 
which  it  belongs  extends  southward  throughout  Central  America. 
The  varieties  have  not  been  systematically  treated  by  technical 
workers. 

THE   BROWN    KING  SNAKE 
Ophibolus  rhombomaculatus ,  (Holbrook) 

Moderate  in  size — attaining  a  length  of  about  a  yard.  The 
body  is  fairly  stout  and  cylindrical.  The  head  is  small  and 
scarcely  distinct  from  the  neck. 

Colouration. — Light  brown  above,  becoming  paler  (yellowish) 
toward  the  abdomen  and  with  about  fifty-five  rather  obscure, 
reddish-brown  blotches  on  the  back.  These  blotches  are  irreg- 
ular and  wavy  in  outline  and  narrowly  bordered  with  black; 
they  are  from  6  to  7  scales  wide  and  from  2  to  3  scales  long.  On 
some  specimens  there  is  an  indication  of  a  smaller  series  of  alter- 
nating blotches  on  the  sides.  The  pattern  is  not  distinct,  and 
from  a  short  distance  the  snake  appears  to  be  of  a  uniform,  pale 
brown. 

The  abdomen  is  yellowish-white,  often  showing  patches  of 
pale  salmon-red,  arranged  in  tessellated  fashion — and  the  entire 
surface  sprinkled  over  with  gray  or  black  dots. 

Dimensions. — Constituting  one  of  the  smaller  species  of 
the  genus,  this  reptile  seldom  attains  a  length  exceeding  a  yard. 
Its  general  proportions  are  much  like  those  of  a  full-grown  spec- 
imen of  the  Northern  Milk  Snake  or  House  Snake — O.  doliatus 
triangulus.  The  measurements  of  a  specimen  captured  near 
Groveton,  Virginia,  are  given : 

Total  Length •  •  •  •  34     inches. 

Length  of  Tail 4\ 

Greatest  Diameter T9¥ 

Width  of  Head \ 

Length  of  Head 1 

354 


The  King  Snakes 

Distribution. — The  distribution  of  this  species  is  limited  to 
a  comparatively  small  area,  and  within  the  borders  of  its  range 
it  is  nowhere  abundant.  Occurring  in  Maryland,  it  extends 
southward  into  South  Carolina;  it  ranges  westward  only  to  the 
Allegheny  Mountains. 

Habits. — Like  the  other  species  of  the  genus  the  Brown  King 
Snake  exhibits  an  appetite  that  inclines  toward  cannibalism. 
It  feeds  upon  the  young  of  other  snakes  and  upon  lizards  as  well, 
but  seems  to  prefer  small  rodents  and  birds. 

The  writer  captured  a  large  specimen  in  Fairfax  County, 
Virginia,  that  lay  stretched  upon  a  grassy  bank,  enjoying  the 
warm  rays  of  a  spring  sun.  When  captured,  it  defended  itself 
vigorously  for  the  moment,  but  soon  became  quiet.  Having  no 
receptacle  in  which  to  place  the  snake,  he  carried  it  several  miles 
coiled  quietly  about  his  hand.  Its  only  symptom  of  anger  was 
an  occasional  shaking  of  the  tail. 

The  majority  of  the  writer's  specimens  could  not  be  induced 
to  take  other  food  than  very  young  birds,  and  of  these  they  were 
very  fond.  Some  specimens  refused  these  tempting  morsels — 
from  a  serpent's  standpoint — and  ultimately  starved  to  death. 
Generally  speaking,  these  snakes  are  sluggish  and  uninteresting 
in  captivity. 

THE   YELLOW-BELLIED   KING  SNAKE;    BLOTCHED 

KING   SNAKE 
Opbibolus  calligaster,  (Harlan) 

This  is  a  considerably  larger  and  a  stouter  species  than  the 
preceding,  which  it  very  much  resembles  in  colouration.  Its 
distinguishing  features  are  the  larger  size,  more  distinct  blotches, 
the  head  markings  and  the  different  habitat.  The  scales  are  in 
25  rows — those  of  the  preceding  and  closely  allied  snake  in  23 
rows  or  a  lesser  number. 

Colouration. — Pale  grayish-brown,  with  a  series  of  dark  brown 
blotches  on  the  back,  which  are  8  to  10  scales  wide  and  2  to  3 
scales  long;  these  spots  are  narrowly  bordered  with  black.  There 
is  a  smaller,  alternating  row  of  blotches  on  the  sides,  and  a  yet 
smaller  row  at  the  edges  of  the  abdominal  plates.  The  abdo- 
men is  yellowish,  usually  with  square,  black  blotches  in  the 
centre. 

355 


The  King  Snakes 

Generally,  the  head  markings  are  quite  vivid.*  There  is  a 
dark  band  across  the  forward  portion  of  the  head  and  an  arrow- 
headed  mark  covering  the  central  and  rear  portion  of  the  head; 
from  behind  the  eye  to  the  angle  of  the  mouth  is  another  dark 
band.  On  the  neck  are  usually  two  parallel  bands,  extending 
to  the  base  of  the  head. 

Dimensions. — General  conformation  similar  to  the  preceding 
species,  though  slightly  larger  and  proportionately  stouter. 

Total  length  of  adult  specimen 46    inches. 

Length  of  tail 6J 

Distribution. — The  Central  States.  Indiana  to  Minnesota 
comprise  the  eastern  and  northern  limits  of  the  range  which  in- 
clines southwestward  to  Kansas  and  northern  Texas. 

Habits. — Similar  to  the  allied  species — the  Brown  King  Snake. 
It  feeds  largely  upon  small  rodents,  birds  and  lizards,  and  ap- 
pears to  be  less  addicted  to  cannibalism  than  some  species  of  this 
genus.  The  greater  number  of  captive  specimens  are  shy  and 
delicate,  refusing  all  food  and  thus  gradually  dying  of  starvation. 
Occasional  specimens  that  show  traces  of  appetite,  prefer  very 
young  birds  to  all  other  food. 

THE  DAVIS  MOUNTAIN    KING  SNAKE 

Opbibolus  alternus,  (A.  E.  Brown) 

The  present  species  appears  to  be  very  rare.  The  type 
specimen  was  taken  in  the  Davis  Mountains  of  western  Texas, 
and  was  described  by  Mr.  Arthur  Erwin  Brown,  in  the  Proceedings 
of  the  Academy  of  Natural  Sciences,  of  Philadelphia,  in  December, 
1901. 

Colouration. — Following  is  a  portion  of  Mr.  Brown's  diagnosis 
of  the  type  specimen : 

"The  ground-colour  is  slate  gray,  crossed  on  the  bafek,  at  in- 
tervals of  three  to  five  scales,  by  bands  of  black  which  are  al- 
ternately wider  and  narrower,  the  wide  ones  covering  from  2  to 
3  scales  on  the  middle  of  the  back,  and  more  or  less  divided  trans- 
versely on  their  centres  with  scarlet.  The  narrow  bands  are  about 
one  scale  wide  and  wholly  black,  occasionally  broken  through  by 
the  ground-colour.  On  the  neck  the  bands  are  narrower  and  less 

*With  the  exception  of  a  dark  bar  from  behind  the  eye  to  the  angle 
of  the  mouth,  there  are  no  head  markings  with  the  preceding  species — 
Ophibolus  rhombomaculatus ,  the  Brown  King  Snake. 

356 


The  King  Snakes 

defined,  while  the  red  is  more  pronounced  on  the  posterior  part 
of  the  body.  There  are  nineteen  red  and  black  bands  on  the  body, 
and  an  equal  number  of  the  intermediate  black  ones.  On  the 
tail  there  are  5  bands,  which  form  quite  distinct  rings,  on  the  last 
two  of  which  the  red  is  absent.  The  head,  including  the  labials, 
is  dark  gray  with  small  dark  mottlings,  not  well  defined,  and  a 
narrow  black  streak  from  the  postoculars  to  the  angle  of  the 
mouth.  Ventral  surface  grayish  white,  heavily  blotched  with 
black,  into  which  the  black  portion  of  the  cross-bands  run." 

Dimensions. — Total  length  of  the  type  specimen.  .28^  inches. 
Length  of  tail 4! 

Distribution. — As  yet,  taken  only  in  the  Davis  Mountains, 
Jeff  Davis  County,  Texas. 

ARIZONA  RINGED  SNAKE;   RINGED   KING  SNAKE; 

"CORAL  SNAKE" 
Opbibolus  %onatus,  (Blainville) 

Despite  the  vivid  colouration  of  the  King  Snakes,  this  is  the 
most  beautiful  species  of  the  genus.  It  presents  all  the  striking 
colours  of  the  Scarlet  King  Snake — 0.  doliatus  coccineus — of  the 
southeastern  United  States,  but  is  a  much  larger  reptile  and  at- 
tains the  length  of  a  yard.  The  proportions  are  moderately  stout 
and  the  head  is  fairly  distinct  from  the  neck.  This  snake  appears 
to  be  most  closely  allied  to  the  Western  varieties  of  the  succeeding 
species.  There  are  21  or  23  rows  of  scales. 

Colouration. — The  body  is  encircled  with  pale  brick-red, 
white,  and  black  rings.  On  the  forward  portion  of  the  body,  the 
black  rings  (which  enclose  the  narrow  rings  of  white)  are  narrow 
and  the  red  rings  are  broad ;  toward  the  latter  portion  of  the  body, 
the  red  becomes  constricted  and  the  black  predominates.  On 
some  specimens  the  latter  character  is  so  pronounced  that  the 
pattern  may  be  given  as  white  rings  separated  by  broad  rings  of 
black  which  are  split  by  narrow  areas  of  red,  or  contain  triangles 
of  that  hue.  Such  are  the  greater  number  of  specimens  from 
Arizona  and  Utah.  California  specimens  are  usually  perfectly 
ringed  with  the  red  for  the  entire  length  of  the  body  and  are  the 
handsomest  phase  of  this  species. 

The  snout  is  black.  Across  the  head  is  a  white  band,  broad- 
ening on  the  temples.  Behind  this  is  a  black  ring. 

Dimensions. — Following  are  the  measurements  of  an  adult 
specimen  from  southern  California: 

337 


The  King  Snakes 

Total  Length 30^  inches. 

Length  of  Tail 4! 

Greatest  Diameter -^     " 

Widthof  Head T9e 

Length  of  Head i 

Distribution. — Southern  Utah  and  Nevada;  southern  Cali- 
fornia and  Arizona. 

Habits. — A  single  specimen  of  this  beautiful  reptile  lived 
for  about  a  year  in  the  writer's  collection.  It  was  very  shy  in 
its  feeding  and  could  not  be  induced  to  take  anything  but  very 
young  mice,  although  very  small  snakes  and  lizards  were  fre- 
quently placed  in  its  cage.  While  often  handled  by  friends 
of  the  writer,  it  never  attempted  to  bite,  but  would  coil  about 
one's  fingers  and  become  perfectly  quiet  as  if  enjoying  the  warmth 
of  the  hand. 

SAY'S    KING   SNAKE 
Ophibolus  getulus,  variety  sayi  (Holbrook) 

This  curiously  spotted  snake  is  one  of  the  varieties  of  the 
largest  species  of  the  genus  Ophibolus.  It  attains  a  length  of 
3^  to  4  feet.  The  body  is  stout  and  distinctly  cylindrical  (not 
tapering  so  gradually  from  the  greatest  diameter  as  do  most 
serpents,  but  retaining  a  uniform  thickness  for  a  great  part  of 
the  length).  The  head  is  small  and  but  slightly  distinct  from 
the  neck. 

Colouration. — This  form  is,  itself,  subject  to  some  variation, 
though  the  general  tendency  of  the  paler  hue  is  to  form  a  small 
spot  in  the  centre  of  each  scale. 

The  commonest  phase  is  black,  with  a  pale  green  or  white 
spot  in  the  centre  of  each  scale.  The  abdomen  is  yellow,  with 
large,  black  blotches. 

On  numerous  specimens  the  spots  evince  a  tendency  to  unite 
into  narrow  cross-bands  on  the  back  at  regular  intervals,  which 
are  about  the  same  distance  apart  as  the  bands  of  the  typical 
form.  In  the  areas  between  these  fused  lines  of  spots,  the  other 
scales  possess  the  same  spotted  appearance  as  with  the  first  phase 
described.  Other  specimens  possess  this  character  carried  to  a 
more  extreme  degree.  At  regular  intervals  across  the  back,  the 
spots  unite  in  narrow,  sharply  delineated  lines,  while  between 
these  bands  there  are  solid  black  areas;  the  scales  on  the  sides> 

358 


The  King  Snakes 

however,  have  green  or  yellow  centres.  Such  specimens  have 
been  designated  as  the  variety  splendidus  by  Baird  and  Girard, 
but  the  variation  is  too  superficial  to  be  considered  under  a  distinct 
head  when  compared  with  the  many  intermediate  or  connecting 
forms. 

Dimensions. — Like  the  typical  form*  in  proportions,  though 
it  does  attain  so  great  a  length.  About  3?  feet  when  adult. 

Distribution. — This  variety  takes  the  place  of  the  typical 
form  in  the  central  portion  of  the  United  States.  The  range  is 
from  southern  Illinois  to  Louisiana;  westward  in  the  North, 
through  the  southern  portion  of  the  plains,  and  in  the  South  to 
western  Texas. 

THE  COMMON    KING   SNAKE;   CHAIN   SNAKE;   THUN- 
DER   SNAKE 
Ophibolus  getulus,  (Linn.) 

The  typical  form  of  this  species  is  the  largest  of  the  King 
Snakes.  It  attains  a  length  of  six  feet.  The  body  is  stout  and 
cylindrical  and  the  head  small — but  slightly  distinct  from  the 
neck. 

Colouration. — The  greater  number  of  specimens  are  black, 
with  narrow  yellow  or  white  cross-bands,  which  fork  on  the  sides 
and  connect  with  one  another  in  chain-like  fashion.  These 
bands  are  one  and  a  half  to  two  scales  wide  and  separated  by 
intervals  of  from  five  to  ten  scales.  The  abdomen  is  black,  with 
large  blotches  of  white  or  yellow. 

Variations. — Specimens  occurring  from  southern  New  Jersey 
to  South  Carolina  are  usually  jet-black,  with  white,  chain-like 
markings.  Those  found  in  Georgia,  Alabama  and  northern 
Florida  have  yellow  markings  on  a  black  or  deep  brown  ground. 
In  central  and  southern  Florida  a  large  number  of  specimens 
are  brown,  olive  or  green,  with  indistinct  bands.  Close  exami- 
nation of  such  specimens  will  reveal  each  scale  to  contain  a  pale 
centre.  The  light  blotches  on  the  abdomen  generallly  match 
the  hue  of  the  bands  on  the  back. 

The  jet-black  specimens  from  the  northern  portion  of  the 
range,  with  their  vivid  white  markings,  are  in  strange  contrast 
with  pale,  greenish  specimens  without  bands,  from  Florida, 

*  See  the  measurements  given  under  the  head  of  the  typical  form. 

359 


The  King  Snakes 

but  a  varietal  name  would  be  inappropriate  as  every  degree  of 
connecting  variations  may  be  found  in  a  large  series  of  speci- 
mens. 

This  is  a  beautiful  species.  The  scales  of  the  back  are 
polished  and  those  of  the  abdomen  glassy  and  lustrous,  the  latter 
reflecting,  on  specimens  that  have  recently  cast  their  skins,  all 
the  prismatic  colours. 

Dimensions. — This  form  of  the  King  Snake  is  one  of  the 
largest  of  the  North  American  serpents.  In  Florida,  specimens 
of  6  feet  in  length  are  not  of  rare  occurrence.  From  southern 
New  Jersey  to  North  Carolina,  the  average  length  of  an  adult 
specimen  is  from  3^  to  4  feet.  The  measurements  given  repre- 
sent a  fairly  large  specimen  from  the  Southern  States: 

Total  Length 60     inches. 

Length  of  Tail 8  J 

Greatest  Diameter i|       " 

Width  of  Head |      " 

Length  of  Head if 

Distribution. — With  its  varieties,  this  King  Snake  ranges  over 
the  entire  United  States  south  of  latitude  40°. 

The  range  of  the  present  (typical)  form  is  from  the  pine 
regions  of  southern  New  Jersey  to  Florida  and  westward  to  the 
Mississippi  River.  It  is  most  abundant  in  the  southern  Atlantic 
Coast  region. 

While  several  zoological  works  have  alleged  that  the 
King  Snake  occurs  in  southern  New  York — records  being  cited 
from  Long  Island,  the  writer  doubts  the  accuracy  of  these  state- 
ments. 

Habits  of  the  King  Snake. 

One  of  the  most  striking  in  pattern  of  the  American  snakes, 
extremely  docile  in  disposition  and  displaying  habits  trfat  render 
it  highly  useful  to  man  in  his  agricultural  pursuits,  this  serpent 
might  be  said  to  rank  first  in  attractiveness  of  the  various  ophidian 
species  embraced  by  this  work,  or  to  share  that  position  with  the 
fine  Indigo  Snake  of  similar  habitat. 

Of  several  species  of  the  genus  Ophibolus,  all  of  which  have 
been  described  as  possessing  cannibalistic  habits,  the  King 
Snake  displays  this  character  to  the  strongest  degree — in  fact  to 
such  an  extent  that  besides  the  promptings  of  its  appetite  this 

360 


The  King  Snakes 

snake  exhibits  a  pugnacious  interest  in  other  serpents  that  may 
be  considerably  larger  than  itself,  engaging  these  creatures  in  a 
duel  to  the  death,  during  which,  however,  they  are  able  to  make 
but  little  resistance,  when  encircled  by  the  wonderfully  strong, 
constricting  coils  of  the  enemy. 

It  is  from  this  fighting  disposition  among  serpents,  that  the 
King  Snake  has  acquired  its  popular  name.  Supposition  had 
it  that  this  species  relentlessly  trails  the  rattlesnake,  and  other 
poisonous  reptiles  of  which  it  is  the  natural  enemy.  This  is  not 
true  for  the  King  Snake  takes  no  more  interest  in  the  rattlesnakes 
and  other  poisonous  species  than  the  common  striped  snake 
that  may  unconsciously  prowl  across  its  path.  Moreover,  this 
snake  spends  no  time  in  actually  searching  for  venomous  reptiles 
that  it  may  destroy  them.  If,  accidentally,  in  its  wanderings 
it  meets  a  rattlesnake,  there  is  certain  to  be  trouble  for  the  latter 
unless  it  continues  on  its  way  without  hesitation,  for  the  King 
Snake  delights  to  pick  quarrels  over  nothing  and  once  aroused 
will  coil  itself  tightly  about  its  astonished  adversary  and  begin 
to  squeeze.  Slowly  the  grip  grows  tighter  and  the  victim,  if  it 
be  venomous,  uses  its  fangs  freely  upon  the  body  of  the  tormentor, 
but  to  no  effect,  as  the  King  Snake  is  entirely  immune  to  snake 
poison.  But  the  wounds  enrage  it.  Winding  the  lithe  body 
round  and  round  the  doomed  creature,  until  every  part  of  the 
shining  length  is  engaged,  it  tightens  with  such  strength  that  the 
victim  is  benumbed,  unable  to  bite,  and  is  quickly  strangled.  So 
powerful  is  this  snake  in  proportion  to  its  size,  and  aided  as  it 
is  by  great  agility  of  motion,  that  even  the  large  and  strong  con- 
stricting snakes  of  other  species  fall  easy  victims  when  attacked. 

It  must  be  explained,  however,  that  such  battles  between 
the  King  Snake  and  the  larger  serpents  are  rather  unusual,  and 
it  will  be  appreciated  from  the  foregoing  explanation  that  these 
occurrences  are  the  results  of  accidental  meetings.  When  the 
King  Snake  captures  a  serpent  smaller  than  itself,  the  prey  is 
overpowered  in  the  fashion  described  and  eaten.  And  it  should 
be  explained  as  well,  in  all  due  justice  to  the  King  Snake,  that 
specimens  of  the  copperhead  snake,  the  ground  rattlesnake  as 
well  as  fair-sized  representatives  of  the  larger  rattlers  are  fre- 
quently killed  and  eaten.  From  this  fact  alone,  the  species 
demonstrates  its  usefulness  toward  mankind.  From  the  stand- 
point of  economic  value,  however,  the  King  Snake  performs 

361 


The  King  Snakes 

more  beneficial  work  for  the  agriculturist  in  the  destruction  of  the 
smaller  rodents,  so  injurious  to  the  grain. 

The  remarkable  immunity  of  this  serpent  against  the  action 
of  snake  venom  is  not  restricted  alone  to  this  one  member  of  the 
genus,  but  on  account  of  the  larger  size  of  the  species,  it  has  been 
subjected  to  more  extended  experimentation  than  the  smaller  and 
less  hardy  snakes  of  the  group.  While  the  majority  of  snakes 
quickly  succumb  to  an  injection  of  serpent  poison,  the  King  Snake 
may  be  repeatedly  wounded  by  the  fangs  of  a  living  serpent,  or 
injected  hypodermically,  without  showing  ill  effects  from  the  in- 
troduction of  the  formidable  fluid  into  its  blood.  Some  three 
years  ago,  repeated  experiments  were  conducted  upon  a  large 
specimen  that  is  now  thriving.  It  was  injected  with  the  venom 
of  the  diamond-back  rattlesnake,  the  copperhead  snake,  the  moc- 
casin and  the  West  Indian  "fer-de-lance,"  without  showing  any  bad 
effects  beyond  an  intimation  of  sluggishness  appearing  an  hour 
or  so  after  the  injection  and  entirely  passing  away  several  hours 
later. 

Despite  its  hostility  toward  other  species  of  snakes,  the  King 
Snake  shows  a  very  mild  nature  with  man.  Specimens  captured 
by  the  writer  were  in  rather  dry  patches  of  timber;  some  were 
taken  while  basking  in  the  sun  of  small  glades  in  the  forest; 
others  were  found  hiding  under  fallen  tree  trunks.  When  first 
caught  they  strike  vigorously,  emitting  a  short  hiss  which  sounds 
more  like  a  sneeze;  at  such  times  the  majority  of  specimens  eject 
a  powerful,  musky  odour  from  glands  near  the  base  of  the  tail. 
These  vigorous  symptoms  pass  away  within  a  few  minutes'  time, 
when  most  specimens  may  be  handled  without  evincing  the  least 
signs  of  bad  temper.  As  captives,  few  reptiles  are  more  gentle 
or  devoid  of  nervousness  than  the  present  species — in  fact,  the 
King  Snake  and  the  big  gopher  or  Indigo  Snake  may  be  said  to  be 
'the  ideal  serpents  for  objects  of  study  in  captivity;  botrT'are  very 
hardy  and  will  live  for  years.  The  former  will  feed  upon  mice, 
sparrows  and  smaller  snakes  of  other  species.  Unlike  many  ser- 
pents, it  is  not  particular  in  demanding  living  prey,  as  it  will 
readily  take  dead  mice  and  rats,  and  sometimes  strips  of  raw 
beef. 

When  being  handled,  these  snakes  will  usually  coil  firmly 
about  one's  fingers  to  prevent  themselves  from  falling.  During 
these  actions  the  muscular  development  of  the  snake  may  be 

362  ,» 


The  King  Snakes 

noted,  and  will  be  found  to  exist  to  a  surprising  degree  in  a  creature 
of  such  moderate  size.  If  frightened,  some  specimens  coil  them- 
selves into  a  series  of  compact  knots  until  they  form  a  spherical 
mass;  in  this  position  they  may  be  actually  rolled  about  the 
ground  without  relaxing  their  bodies. 

This  species  deposits  from  ten  to  twenty-four  eggs,  which 
require  from  five  to  six  weeks  to  complete  the  incubation. 

BOYLE'S   KING  SNAKE;  CALIFORNIA   KING  SNAKE 
Ophibolus  getulus  variety  boylii,  (B.  &  G.) 

Considerably  smaller  and  more  slender  than  the  Eastern  (typi- 
cal) snake.  The  scales  are  in  23  rows — occasionally  25. 

Colouration. — Black  or  brown  with  white  or  yellow  cross  bands, 
which  are  narrow  on  the  back  and  abruptly  widened  on  the  sides, 
thence  crossing  the  abdomen  as  broad  blotches.  From  this 
description  it  will  be  understood  that  the  pale  markings  take  the 
form  of  rings,  instead  of  bifurcating  and  joining  one  another  on 
the  sides  as  do  the  bands  on  the  typical  form.  With  black  speci- 
mens possessing  white  bars,  the  pattern  is  very  striking. 

The  head  is  dark  with  the  exception  of  the  snout  where  the 
plates  are  pale  or  contain  pale  centres;  there  are  often  a  few 
yellow  dots  on  the  temples.  Both  upper  and  lower  lip  plates 
are  yellow,  heavily  bordered  with  black  or  brown. 

The  variety  California:  As  this  variety  is  very  closely  allied 
to  Boyle's  King  Snake,  it  is  best  considered  under  that  head. 
The  body  is  black  or  brownish.  Although  there  is  a  general 
indication  of  the  white  rings,  these  are  much  broken  and  inter- 
spersed with  short  stripes,  which  run  lengthwise.  On  some 
specimens  there  is  a  tendency  of  the  paler  markings  to  unite  in  a 
stripe  on  the  back.  The  head  is  coloured  like  the  preceding 
variety.  The  abdomen  may  be  entirely  yellow  or  blotched 
with  black. 

Dimensions. — Both  of  these  allied  varieties  are  of  a  similar 
length.  Following  are  the  dimensions  of  a  specimen  of  Boyle's 
King  Snake,  from  southern  California: 

Total  Length 32^  inches. 

Length  of  Tail 2f 

Greatest  Diameter £      " 

Width  of  Head f      " 

Length  of  Head.  .  - I 

363 


The  King  Snakes 

Distribution.— Boyle's  King  Snake  inhabits  western  Nevada, 
western  Arizona  and  California;  it  is  most  abundant  in  the  latter 
state.  The  allied  variety  occurs  in  southern  California  and 
Lower  California. 


364 


CHAPTER   XXXVIII:   THE   RAINBOW  SNAKES 

Large  and  Brilliantly  Coloured,  Burrowing  Serpents,  of  the  Genera 
ABASTOR  and  FARANCIA 

ALLEGED  to  be  related  to  the  tiny  Worm  Snake  (Carpbopbis) , 
the  Rainbow  Snakes  are,  from  all  external  appearances,  strikingly 
different  from  their  small  ally.  They  grow  to  a  large  size — five 
or  six  feet — and  their  handsome  colouration  is  not  eclipsed  by 
any  other  North  American  reptile;  intensifying  the  brilliant 
pattern,  is  the  opalescent  lustre  of  the  scales. 

With  all  their  beauty  of  colouration  these  serpents  are  degen- 
erate burrowers  and  seldom  show  themselves  above  the  ground. 
The  body  is  stout  and  powerful,  but  tapers  gradually  to  a  more 
slender  neck  and  a  head  that  is  small,  flat  and  not  distinct.  The 
eyes,  placed  well  forward  toward  the  snout,  incline  upward; 
they  are  dull  and  have  a  minute  pupil,  like  a  pin-hole.  In  pro- 
portion to  the  size,  the  tongue  is  exceedingly  small. 

By  a  single  character,  technically  considered  an  important 
one,  the  Rainbow  Snakes  are  divided  into  two  genera.  This  is 
the  structure  of  the  plate  or  plates  following  the  nose 
shield  or  rostral.  With  Abastor,  there  is  a  pair  of  these  plates — 
internasals.  Paranoia  has  a  single  internasal  plate.  In  every 
other  way  these  snakes  are  similar.  The  teeth  of  the  upper  jaw 
are  of  about  equal  size.  There  is  no  preocular  plate,  the  loreal 
plate  forming  a  portion  of  the  front  border  of  the  eye.  The  scales 
are  smooth  and  in  19  rows;  ventral  plate  divided.  Both  Abastor 
and  Farancia,  represented  by  single  species,  are  confined  to  the 
southern  United  States;  both  are  most  abundant  in  Florida. 

Following  is  a  condensed  formula    to  aid  in  identification: 

A.  Two  internasal  plates.  Genus  Abastor. 

Blue-black,  with  three  reddish  stripes  above. 
Abdomen  red,  with  rows  of  black  spots. 

RAINBOW  SNAKE,  A.  erythrogrammus. 

B.  One  internasal  plate.  Genus  Farancia. 

Blue-black;  upright,  vermilion  bars  on  sides.     Abdomen 
vermilion.  RED-BELLIED  SNAKE,  F.   abacura. 

365 


The  Rainbow  Snakes 

Detailed  descriptions: 

THE    RAINBOW   SNAKE 
Abastor  erythrogrammus  (Daudin) 

Also  called  Mud  Snake.  A  large  and  very  showy  serpent, 
with  smooth,  glassy  scales. 

Colouration. — Purplish-black,  or  rich,  dark  blue;  along  the 
back  from  the  neck  to  the  tail  are  three  stripes  of  dark  red— 
sometimes  deep  orange.  A  band  of  pale  yellow  on  the  sides 
the  width  of  three  rows  of  scales. 

Abdomen  red,  with  two  rows  of  large,  blue-black  spots, 
running  the  length  of  the  body;  between  these  is  a  row  of  much 
smaller  spots,  beginning  some  distance  down  the  neck  and  ex- 
tending to  within  a  short  distance  of  the  tail. 

Head  dark,  with  obscure  red  markings;  the  upper  lip  plates 
are  yellow  and  each  contains  a  large,  black  spot. 

Young  specimens  show  the  same  pattern  as  the  adult. 

Dimensions. — The  writer's  largest  specimen  was  4  feet,  9 
inches  long,  with  a  diameter  of  2  inches  at  the  thickest  part  of 
the  body.  This  is  considerably  over  the  average  size,  given  in 
the  following  table: 

Total  Length 48     inches. 

Length  of  Tail 6^ 

Greatest  Diameter i  \       " 

Width  of  Head £ 

Length  of  Head if      " 

Distribution. — Most  abundant  in  the  swampy,  coastal  region 
of  South  Carolina,  Georgia  and  Florida.  The  range  is  from 
Virginia  to  the  Gulf  of  Mexico.  This  snake  does  not  extend 
as  far  westward  as  the  succeeding  species. 

Habits. — The  Rainbow  Snake  lives  in  swampy,*  timbered 
areas  and  along  the  borders  of  streams,  where  it  burrows  into 
the  damp  soil  or  into  and  under  decayed  and  fallen  trees.  When 
freshly  caught  it  will  thrash  about  to  escape,  but  seldom  shows 
the  least  symptom  of  hostility. 

As  a  captive,  this  snake  always  tries  to  hide  in  sand  or  moss, 
and  lives  but  a  short  time  unless  provided  with  a  substance  in 
which  it  can  burrow.  Adult  specimens  cannot  be  induced  to  eat, 
but  will  live  and  continue  vigorous  for  many  months  without 

366 


The  Rainbow  Snakes 

other  nourishment  than  water;  they  drink  considerable  quan- 
tities. Thus  the  food  habits  are  practically  unknown  with  the 
exception  of  the  feeding  of  young  individuals;  they  will  occasion- 
ally take  earthworms. 

The  Rainbow  Snake  is  oviparous,  depositing  from  24  to  50 
bluntly  oval,  white  eggs,  with  a  perfectly  smooth  integument. 
A  four-foot  specimen  laid  43  eggs  on  the  jth  of  July;  when  de- 
posited the  eggs  were  i£  inches  long  and  i  inch  in  diameter; 
they  hatched  on  September  i5th.  The  young  snakes  were  9^ 
inches  long  and  -^  of  an  inch  in  diameter  at  the  thickest  part 
of  the  body.  Another  snake  laid  40  eggs  on  July  I3th,  and  a 
third  deposited  23  eggs  on  the  i4th  of  August. 

THE    RED-BELLIED    SNAKE 

Paranoia  abacura,  (Holbrook) 

Also  called  the  Rainbow  Snake,  Mud  Snake,  Horn  Snake 
and  Hoop  Snake. 

Proportions  like  the  preceding. 

Colouration. — Purplish-black  above,  with  large,  vermilion, 
inverted  V-shaped  blotches  on  the  sides.  Abdomen  rich  ver- 
milion with  numerous  black  patches. 

The  striking  colouration  and  glassy  surface  of  the  scales, 
cause  this  animal  to  be  very  distinct.  On  young  examples  the 
red  patches  extend  further  up  the  sides,  and  there  are  indications 
of  red  on  the  back,  in  the  shape  of  narrow  cross-bands. 

The  sides  of  the  head  of  the  adult  are  reddish,  with  a  row 
of  large,  black  spots  extending  along  the  upper  lip  plates  (superior 
labials}. 

Dimensions. — The  Red-bellied  Snake  attains  a  maximum 
length  of  six  feet.  Following  are  the  measurements  of  an  adult 
of  average  size: 

Total  Length 49    inches. 

Length  of  Tail 6\ 

Greatest  Diameter i  £       " 

Width  of  Head ifc      " 

Length  of  Head i  £ 

Distribution. — North  Carolina,  southward  throughout  Florida 
and  westward  to  Louisiana  (inclusive).  In  the  Mississippi  Valley 
the  species  has  been  found  as  far  north  as  southern  Indiana.  It 
is  most  abundant  in  the  Gulf  States. 

367 


The  Rainbow  Snakes 

Habits. — A  burrowing  animal,  usually  found  in  swampy 
stretches  of  timber,  hiding  under  fallen  and  decaying  tree  trunks. 
Concerning  the  habits,  Prof.  E.  D.  Cope  has  written:  "The 
Pamunkey  River  specimens  were  dug  from  a  clay  bank  beneath 
ten  feet  of  sand.  Mr.  Clarence  B.  Moore  in  his  excavations  of  the 
Indian  mounds  of  Florida,  has  dug  it  from  nearly  as  great  a  depth 
beneath  the  surface,  in  sand." 

Closely  related  to  the  Rainbow  Snake,  it  resembles  that 
serpent  in  habits  so  far  as  they  are  known.  Very  young  specimens 
will  eat  earthworms.  The  writer  has  never  succeeded  in  inducing 
mature  examples  to  feed.  They  are  indifferent  to  handling  and 
shows  no  signs  of  temper  beyond  nervously  twisting  from  side 
to  side  or  coiling  the  tail  about  one's  wrist.  On  the  tail  is  a 
needle-like  spine,  so  short  as  to  be  barely  noticeable.  This  will 
often  slightly  wound  the  skin  and  is  alleged  by  the  negroes  to 
be  a  "sting."  When  a  specimen  is  replaced  in  its  cage,  it  im- 
mediately burrows  into  the  sand  or  moss  and  while  taking  no 
sustenance  but  an  occasional  drink,  will  live  and  continue  vigorous 
for  six  or  eight  months.  While  degenerate  in  form — the  eyes 
being  small,  dull,  and  poorly  developed — and  essentially  fitted 
for  a  subterraneous  life,  this  snake  is  quite  active  and  can  glide 
over  the  ground  with  some  speed  and  grace.  It  also  swims 
and  dives  with  considerable  agility.  The  tongue  is  proportion- 
ately small  and  its  movements  are  slow  as  compared  with  the 
quivering  flash  of  that  organ  to  be  noted  with  the  majority  of 
snakes. 

The  species  is  oviparous — laying  from  two  to  four  dozen 
bluntly  oval,  yellowish-white  eggs,  with  a  perfectly  smooth 
integument. 


368 


THE  REPTILE  Boo-- 


PLATE  CX 


RAINBOW  SNAKE,  Abastor  erythrogrammus 

Acquires  its  name  from  the  rich  hues  of  the  longitudinal  markings.     Grows  to  a  length  of  five  feet  and  leads  a 
burrowing  life.     Found  in  the  Southeast 


«\  RED-BELLIED  SNAKE,  Farancia  abacura 

The  bars  on  the  sides  are  vermilion.     This  species  inhabits  the  Southeast,  attains  a  length  of  six  feet,  and  is  a  burrower 


THE  REPTILE  BOOK 


PLATE  CXI 


WORM  SNAKE,  Carphophis  amomus 
The  illustration  shows  a  1-fe-sized  adult.     As  becomes  its  worm-like  structure  the  species  is  a  persistent  burrower 


SCARLET  SNAKE,  Cemophora  coccinea 

A  beautiful  species  of  eastern  North  America.     The  wide  bands  are  rich  scarlet.     Abundant  in  South  Carolina,  Georgia, 

and  Florida,  under  the  loose  bark  of  fallen  trees 


LECONTE'S  SNAKE,  Rhinochilus  lecontei 

Some  examples  are  ringed  with  brick  red,  others  have  square  patches  of  this  colour  on  the  back.     A  Western  serpent,  rarely 
attaining  a  length  of  a  yard.    The  food  consists  of  snakes,  lizards,  and  small  rodents 


CHAPTER  XXXIX:    THE   SHARP-NOSED  SNAKES 

The  Genera  CARPHOPHIS,  FICIMIA,  CHILOMENISCUS, 
CEMOPHORA  and  RHINOCHILUS—Small,  Burrowing 
Species,  with  Smooth  Scales 

FOLLOWING  the  rather  miscellaneous  smooth-scaled  ser- 
pents of  the  preceding  chapters,  the  writer  is  able  to  group  several 
genera,  and  in  fairly  regular  arrangement,  under  the  title  of  the 
Sharp-nosed  Snakes;  all  of  these  have  smooth  scales.  As  most 
of  the  species  to  be  described  are  persistent  burrowers,  the  snout 
is  either  conical,  or  much  depressed  and  with  a  sharp  edge — hence 
a  striking  characteristic  that  may  be  immediately  understood 
by  the  beginner. 

Key  to  the  Sharp-nosed  Snakes 

A.    Size  small.     Plates  under  the  tail  divided. 
a.  Ventral  plate  divided. 

1 .  Colouration  uniform — no  rings  or  blotches. 

Head  very  small  and  sharply  conical;  no  preocular 
plate — toreal  touching  eye;  one  postocular  plate. 
Scales  in  1 3  rows.  Genus  Carphophis. 

Brown   above;    pink  beneath. 

WORM  SNAKE,  C.  amoenus. 

Distribution. — New  England  to  Florida;  westward 
to  Kansas. 

2.  Colouration  in  transverse  blotches  or  half-rings,  red 
forming  one  of  the  colours. 

Head  slightly  distinct ;  snout  very  sharp  and  conical — 
slightly  upturned;  rear  border  of  the  rostral  extend- 
ed barkward  on  head.  No  loreal  plate.  One  preocu- 
lar plate.  Scales  in  17  rows.  Genus  ricimia. 

Reddish    or    orange,    with    brown,    black-edged   cross- 
bands,  breaking  into  spots  on  sides.     Abdomen  yellow- 
ish. DOG-NOSED  SNAKE,  F.  cana. 
Distribution. — Southwestern  U.  S.  and  Mexico. 

Head  not  distinct;  snout,  as  seen  from  side,  very  sharp 
—appears  rounded,  from  above.  No  loreal  plate. 
One  preocular  plate.  Scales  in  13  rows. 

Genus  Chilomeniscus. 

369 


The  Sharp-nosed  Snakes 

Red  or  orange;  broad  black  cross-bands,  terminating 
near  abdominal  plates;  tail  ringed  with  black. 

RED    AND    BLACK    GROUND    SNAKE,  C.    CpbippicUS. 

Distribution. — Nevada  and  Arizona. 
Similar  to  preceding,  but  the  black  encircles  the  body 
— narrower  on  abdomen. 

ARIZONA   GROUND    SNAKE,  C.    dnctus. 

Distribution. — Arizona;  Lower  California, 
b.  Veniral  plate  entire. 

Snout  conical;  head  not  distinct.  A  loreal  plate.  One 
or  two  preocular  plates.  Scales  in  19  rows. 

Genus  Cemophora. 

Wide  scarlet  blotches,  separated  by  pairs  of  black  half- 
rings,  these  enclosing  a  half-ring  of  yellow. 

SCARLET    SNAKE,    C.    COCCinea. 

Distribution. — South  Carolina  to  Florida;  westward 

to  Mississippi. 
B.    Size  moderate.     Plates  under  the  tail  entire. 

Head  slightly  distinct  and  pointed;  front  surface  of  nose 
plate  flattened.  A  loreal  plate;  one  or  two  preocular ~s. 
Scales — of  the  North  American  species — in  23  rows. 

Genus  Rhtnocbilus. 
Alternate,  square,  black  and  reddish  blotches. 

LE  CONTE'S  SNAKE.  R.  lecontei. 
Distribution. — Western  Texas  to  California. 

The  Genus  Carpbopbis:  But  one  species  seems  worthy 
of  recognition  and  this  is  a  small,  worm-like  reptile,  confined  to 
North  America.  A  description  is  given: 

THE  WORM  SNAKE 
Carpbopbis  amcenus,  (Say) 

Size  very  small.  Body  moderately  stout,  with  smooth, 
opalescent  scales;  head  not  distinct  from  the  neck  and  ter- 
minating in  a  pointed  snout.  The  eyes  are  very  small. 

Colouration. — Chestnut-brown  above;  salmon-pink*  on  the 
lower  portion  of  the  sides  and  the  abdomen.  With  alcoholic 
specimens  this  latter  colour  fades  to  yellow. 

Variations. — Specimens  of  an  opalescent,  purplish-black 
above  and  pink  beneath,  are  found  along  the  Mississippi  Valley 
and  westward  to  Kansas.  They  have  been  described  as  a  dis- 
tinct species,  under  the  scientific  appellation  of  Carpbopbis  vermis. 
However,  the  points  employed  in  separating  this  form  from  the 
typical  snake  are  superficial,  and  the  former  reptile  appears 

37° 


The  Sharp-nosed  Snakes 

to   constitute   but   a   colour   variation.     Young   specimens   are 

always  much  darker  than  the  parent.     During  the  second  year 

they  change  from  a  dark  gray  to  the  brown  of  the  adult  specimen. 

Dimensions. — The  measurements  given  are  of  an  adult. 

Total  Length 9^  inches. 

Length  of  Tail I J      " 

Greatest  Diameter 

WidthofHead ^ 

Distribution. — Southern  Massachusetts,  southward  to  the 
Gulf  of  Mexico;  westward  to  Kansas.  The  species  is  particularly 
abundant  in  the  Black  Mountains  of  North  Carolina. 

Habits.  —  While  quite  abundant  in  many  districts,  this 
worm-like  reptile  is  not  commonly  seen.  It  may  sometimes  be 
found  wandering  over  damp  leaves  in  the  woods,  after  heavy 
rains,  but  its  diminutive  size  and  sober  colours  render  it  incon- 
spicuous when  abroad  from  its  subterraneous  haunts,  and  the 
species  is  considered  rare  in  many  localities  where  careful  search 
would  reveal  the  presence  of  numerous  specimens.  These  snakes 
are  often  unearthed  by  the  plough,  they  may  also  be  found  under 
the  soft,  loose  bark  of  fallen  and  decaying  tree  trunks,  or  in 
the  mouldy  deposits,  consisting  of  fallen  leaves  and  disintegrating 
vegetation  that  exist  in  timbered  regions.  The  species  feeds 
largely  upon  earthworms  and  the  soft-bodied  grubs  of  insects. 
In  captivity  it  always  endeavours  to  secrete  itself  and  lives  but 
a  short  time  unless  provided  with  moss  and  leaves  or  sand  in 
which  to  hide.  It  is  a  very  mild-tempered  reptile  and  can  seldom 
be  induced  to  bite. 

The  Worm  Snake  is  oviparous,  depositing  a  small  number 
of  elongated,  soft  eggs  during  the  later  part  of  July  or  early  in 
August.  The  young  snakes  are  rather  large  in  proportion  to  the 
size  of  the  parent,  though  beside  a  half-grown  earthworm, 
they  appear  diminutive.  A  freshly  hatched  specimen  measures 
3^  inches  in  length,  and  slightly  less  than  an  one-eighth  of  an 
inch  in  diameter  at  the  thickest  part  of  the  body.  It  is  very 
probable  that  the  larvae  of  ants  form  a  large  part  of  the  food  of 
these  minute  reptiles. 

The  Genus  Ficimia.  Several  Mexican  species  are  recog- 
nised; one  occurs  in  the  United  States. 

Size  rather  small;  body  stout;  head  slightly  distinct.  Snout 
sharp  and  conical;  slightly  upturned.  Examined  from  above, 


The  Sharp -nosed  Snakes 

the  head  looks  much  pointed;  from  the  side,  the  effect  is  similar 
to  the  Hog-nosed  Snakes,  Heterodon — described  in  a  succeeding 
chapter,  but  from  those  serpents  the  present  reptile  may  be 
easily  told  by  its  smooth  scales. 

The  teeth  of  the  upper  jaw  are  smooth  and  of  equal  size. 
The  rear  border  of  the  rostral  (nose)  plate,  extends  backward 
on  the  head  between  the  pair  of  plates  (internasals}  situated 
near  the  snaut,  and  the  prefrontals  (the  pair  following  the  inter- 
nasals). 

THE  DOG-NOSED  SNAKE 
Ficimia  cana,  (Cope) 

Scales  in  seventeen  rows.     No  loreal  plate. 

Colouration. — Reddish  or  orange-yellow,  with  reddish-brown, 
dark-edged  cross-bands,  about  thirty  in  number,  which  show  a 
tendency  to  break  up  into  spots  or  small  blotches  on  the  sides. 
Abdomen  immaculate  yellowish-white. 

A  brown  band  crosses  the  head  in  front  of  the  eyes,  extending 
downward  to  the  lip  plates;  there  is  another  band  across  the 
rear  portion  of  the  head. 

Dimensions. — Length  about  8  inches,  of  which  the  tail  oc- 
cupies about  ij  inches. 

Distribution. — Western  Texas  to  Arizona;   northern  Mexico. 

The  Genus  Chilomeniscus:  The  species  are  persistent  bur- 
rowers.  Their  standing  is  rather  doubtful;  some  authorities 
recognise  at  least  four,  while  others  reduce  the  number  to  two 
or  one. 

In  place  of  the  conical  snout  of  Ficimia,  the  head  of  the 
present  snakes  is  much  flattened,  almost  spoon-shaped — though 
not  distinct  from  the  neck — and  the  sharp-edged  rostral  forms 
a  useful  scoop  for  burrowing;  the  rear  border  of  this  plate  extends 
backward  on  the  head,  separating  the  first  pair  of  shiftlds — the 
internasals.  There  is  no  loreal  plate.  The  scales  of  the  body 
are  in  thirteen  rows. 

THE  RED  AND   BLACK  GROUND  SNAKE 

Chilomeniscus  ephippicus,  (Cope) 

The  rear  border  of  the  rostral  plate  reaches  the  edge  of  the 
second  pair  of  plates  behind  it — separating  the  first  pair  (the 
internasals'). 

372 


The  Sharp-nosed  Snakes 

Colouration.— Red  or  deep  orange,  with  black  cross-bands, 
which  nearly  reach  the  abdominal  plates;  the  lower  ends  of  these 
bands  are  rounded;  they  are  separated  by  interspaces  of  ground- 
colour about  as  wide  as  the  bands  themselves.  The  black 
extends  about  the  tail  to  nearly  form  rings,  but  is  narrowly  broken 
in  the  central  portion  of  the  undersurface.  Top  of  head  black; 
snout  red. 

Dimensions. — Total  length  about  9  inches;    tail,  ii  inches. 

Distribution.— Nevada  and  Arizona— probably  to  southern 
California. 

THE   ARIZONA  GROUND  SNAKE 

Chilomeniscus  cinctus,  (Cope) 

Differs  from  the  preceding  by  an  arrangement  of  the  head 
shields:  "Nasal  separated  from  the  preocular  by  the  prefrontals, 
which  reach  the  labials."  The  colouration  is  also  different. 

Colouration.— Reddish-white,  the  body  encircled  by  broad 
black  rings,  which  are  narrower  on  the  abdomen. 

Distribution. — Three  specimens  are  known;  two  were  taken 
in  southern  Arizona  and  the  other  in  Lower  California. 

The  Genus  Cemophora:  One  species  known.  It  is  bril- 
liantly marked  with  scarlet,  yellow  and  black.  Head  small  and 
sharply  conical,  the  rostral  plate  projecting  forward  slightly, 
in  pointed  fashion.  A  loreal  plate;  scales  in  19  rows;  ventral 
plate  entire. 

THE  SCARLET  SNAKE 
Cemophora  coccinea,    (Blumenbach) 

Also  called  Coral  Snake.  It  is  one  of  the  species  that  "mimics" 
the  poisonous  Coral  Snake  (Elaps). 

Size  small;  body  moderately  slender  and  very  cylindrical— 
not  tapering  until  near  the  head  and  tail;  head  not  distinct. 
Snout  pointed  and  projecting;  eye  small.  One  or  two  preocular 
plates. 

Colouration.— Wide  scarlet  blotches,  separated  by  pairs  of 
black  half-rings,  the  latter  enclosing  a  yellow  half-ring  about 
three  scales  wide.  The  scales  in  the  yellow  band  are  usually 
tipped  or  dotted  with  black.  Abdomen  immaculate  white  or 
yellow.  Top  of  the  head  red  or  orange,  with  a  black  bar  across 
the  eyes. 

373 


The  Sharp-nosed  Snakes 

If  the  snake  is  examined  from  directly  above,  the  pattern 
seems  to  be  composed  of  wide  crimson  or  scarlet  rings,  separated 
by  pairs  of  black  ones,  the  latter  enclosing  an  equal-sized  ring 
of  yellow.  It  is  this  ringed  aspect  that  causes  the  species  to  look 
like  the  Coral  Snake  and  the  Scarlet  King  Snake  (Opbibolus 
doliaius  coccineus),  but  the  poisonous  snake  (Elaps)  has  broad 
scarlet  rings  and  equal-sized  rings  of  black,  while  the  yellow  is 
very  narrow — barely  a  scale — and  borders  the  black;  moreover, 
when  we  speak  of  rings,  it  should  be  understood  that  the  colours 
completely  encircle  the  body.  The  Scarlet  King  Snake  (Opbi- 
bolus) is  exactly  like  Cemopbora  above,  but  the  former  is  ringed 
with  the  colours.  Examined  from  the  side,  the  Scarlet  Snake 
might  elicit  a  description,  thus:  Large  scarlet  blotches  broadly 
bordered  with  black,  and  separated  by  bands  of  yellow.* 

Dimensions. — The  writer's  largest  example  is  25  inches  long 
and  one-half  of  an  inch  in  diameter  at  the  thickest  part  of  the  body. 
It  was  captured  near  Micco,  Florida,  and  easily  swallowed  full- 
grown  mice;  this  is  considerably  over  the  average  size,  which  is 
given : 

Total  Length 1 6    inches. 

Length  of  Tail 2* 

Greatest  Diameter |-       " 

Width  of  Head fV     " 

Length  of  Head £ 

Distribution. — The  southeastern  United  States;  South  Caro- 
lina (inclusive)  throughout  Florida  and  westward  to  the  Miss- 
issippi River.  Most  abundant  in  the  low,  coastal  region. 

Habits. — The  handsome  little  Scarlet  Snake  resembles  the 
King  Snakes  in  habits,  feeding  upon  such  small  creatures  as  the 
ground  lizard  (Lygosoma),  the  "blue-tail"  (Eumeces),  the 
brown  snake  (H aided}  and  the  young  of  the  ring-necked  snake, 
(Diadopbis),  besides  the  young  of  wild  mice.  The  wrfter  has 
collected  numbers  of  these  reptiles  under  the  bark  of  fallen  and 
decaying  trees.  In  such  conditions,  when  disclosed,  their  bril- 
liant colours  are  in  startling  contrast  to  the  sombre  hues  of  the 
damp  wood.  The  species  appears  to  be  very  secretive  and  to 
pass  most  of  the  time  burrowing  its  way  with  the  aid  of  the  sharp 
snout  in  a  search  for  the  prey.  Owing  to  the  prevalence  of  insect 

*  Young  specimens  have  milk-white  bands,  separating  the  black 
bands  or  half -rings. 

374 


The  Sharp-nosed  Snakes 

larvae  in  the  hiding  places,  it  seems  probably  that  the  young  snakes 
feed  upon  such. 

A  specimen  in  the  writer's  collection  displayed  interesting 
habits.  When  handled,  it  never  showed  a  disposition  to  bite, 
which  mild  nature  has  been  noted  with  the  species  generally. 
Most  of  its  time  was  spent  under  a  strip  of  bark,  but  when  a  very 
young  mouse  was  placed  in  the  case,  the  snake  would  glide  rapidly 
for  it,  seizing  the  rodent  with  a  dart  of  the  head  and  then  coil 
tightly  about  the  animal,  showing  the  species,  although  diminutive 
in  size,  to  be  a  typical  constrictor.  On  the  23d  of  June,  this 
specimen  deposited  eight  eggs;  they  were  white  and  elongated, 
and  covered  with  a  soft,  smooth  integument.  The  snake  ap- 
peared to  take  an  interest  in  them  and  coiled  always  nearby, 
or  around  them,  a  proceeding  quite  unnecessary  from  the  stand- 
point of  space  within  the  box,  as  the  strip  of  bark,  under  which 
the  snake  was  in  the  habit  of  hiding,  was  over  a  foot  in  length. 
Three  weeks  after  the  eggs  were  laid,  one  of  them  was  opened 
to  ascertain  the  process  of  development;  it  contained  a  well- 
formed  embryo,  which  would  have  emerged  within  two  weeks' 
time.  A  week  later,  on  lifting  the  bark  to  examine  the  snake 
and  her  eggs,  the  creature  was  found  much  distorted,  having 
swallowed  the  remaining  seven,  which  she  fully  digested  within 
a  few  days.  This  remarkable  instance  of  cannibalism  was  quite 
inexcusable,  as  the  reptile  had  been  fed  at  regular  intervals. 

The  Genus  Rbinocbilus:  Several  species  are  recognised; 
one  is  found  in  the  United  States.  Among  colubrine  serpents, 
these  snakes  are  remarkable  by  the  formation  of  the  plates  under  the 
tail;  these  are  usually  entire,  in  place  of  being  divided;  the  ventral 
plate  is  entire.  Rostral  plate  sharp  and  somewhat  protruding; 
flattened  on  its  under  surface.  Body  moderately  stout;  head 
slightly  distinct. 

LECONTE'S  SNAKE 
Rhinochilus  lecontei,  (Baird  &  Girard) 
Size  moderate — often  a  yard  long.    Head  scales  normal ;  usu- 
ally one  large  preocular  plate;  one  loreal  plate.     Scales  in  23  rows. 
Colouration. — The   pattern  is  difficult  to  describe  and  quite 
variable.    There  are  usually  alternating  black  and  red  blotches 
on   the  back,   the  latter  perfectly  square;    the  black  extends 
farther  downward  on  the  sides.    On  the  lower  part  of  the  sides, 

375 


The  Sharp-nosed  Snakes 

many  of  the  scales  may  be  orange  with  red  centres,  and  others 
red  with  black  centres. 

On  many  specimens,  the  paler  (square)  blotches  on  the  back 
are  deep  orange,  with  a  brick-red  dot  in  the  centre  of  each  scale. 

Frequent  specimens  are  black  with  brick-red  half-rings. 
These  are  sometimes  called  "coral"  snakes. 

Abdomen  white  or  yellow,  with  black  blotches  on  the  ends 
of  some  of  the  plates. 

The  single  plates  under  the  tail  should  at  once  indentify 
this  species. 

Dimensions. — Total  Length 2  feet. 

Length  of  TTail 3!  inches. 

Greatest  Diameter £       " 

Width  of  Head ^     " 

Length  of  Head T96-     " 

Distribution. — Western  Texas  and  southwestern  Kansas 
tO  California. 

Habits. — Much  like  the  Scarlet  Snake  (Cemophora).  It  is 
a  constrictor,  feeding  upon  small  rodents,  lizards  and  the  young 
of  other  snakes.  The  young  are  produced  from  eggs. 


376 


THE  REPTILE  BOOK 


PLAT.-.  CXII 


THE  HOG-NOSED  SNAKES 
i,  4    Black  Hog-nosed  Snake,  Heterodon  platyrhinus  niger  3,  7    Florida  Hog-nosed  Snake,  Heterodon  simus 


2.  g    Common  Hog-nosed  Snake,  Heterodon  platyrhinus  (typical) 


6,  8    Texas  Hog-nosed  Snake,  Heterodon  nasicus 


THE  REPTILE  BOOK 


PLATE  CXIII 


COMMOX  HOG-NOSED  bAAKE,  Hetcrodon  platyrhinus. 

The  three  species  of  Helerodon  are  characteristic  in  haying  a  sharply  upturned  snout,  and,  owing  to  peculiar  habits.  When 
annoyed  they  flatten  the  head  and  neck  to  a  great  extent  and  hiss  loudly.  Their  hostile  airs  have  placed  them  in  bad  repute,  yet  they 
are  entirely  harmless  and  seldom  attempt  to  actually  bite.  They  feed  entirely  upon  toads  and  frogs 


BLACK  HOG-NOSED  SNAKE,  Heterodon  platyrhinus  niger 
The  habitat  embraces  the  Eastern  and  Central  States,  as  does  that  of  the  typical  form 


CHAPTER  XL:    THE  HOG-NOSED  SNAKES 
GENUS  HETERODON 

Three  North  American  Species    that  are  Interesting  from    Their 
Peculiar  Form  and  Habits 

THICK-BODIED,  pugnacious  in  aspect  and  actions,  and  pro- 
vided with  a  peculiar  upturned  and  shovel-like  snout,  the  snakes 
of  this  genus  may  be  readily  recognised.  Their  scales  are  keeled, 
imparting  a  dull  surface  to  the  body,  while  the  pattern  is  ar- 
ranged in  rather  striking  cross-bands  or  blotches,  all  of  which 
characters  tend  to  place  these  creatures  in  very  bad  repute  in 
the  minds  of  many  popular  observers.  However,  this  condition 
has  been  intensified  by  habits  these  snakes  evince  of  flattening 
the  head  and  neck  to  a  great  degree  and  hissing  loudly.  They 
are  the  familiar  and  dreaded  puff  "adders,"  flat-headed  "adders" 
or  sand  "vipers."  In  spite  of  their  antics,  they  are  quite  harmless, 
and,  in  fact,  their  manoeuvres  consist  largely  of  bluff  for  they 
rarely  attempt  to  bite. 

In  the  habit  of  dilating  the  neck,  these  snakes  resemble  the 
cobras  of  the  Old  World  and  the  process  is  performed  in  the  same 
manner  as  with  the  latter  reptiles — namely,  by  means  of  long 
ribs  that  lie  close  against  the  backbone  when  the  body  is  in  a 
passive  condition,  and  spread  laterally  when  the  snake  is  excited 
or  angry. 

With  the  species  of  Heterodon,  the  dentition  differs  from 
that  of  the  greater  number  of  the  harmless,  colubrine  snakes. 
On  each  side  of  the  back  portion  of  the  upper  jaw,  separated  by 
some  space  from  the  other  teeth,  are  two  large,  fang-like  teeth. 
These  are  entirely  devoid  of  poisonous  properties,  however,  and 
are  employed  by  the  snake  to  hold  its  prey,  as  the  reptile  possesses 
no  power  of  bodily  constriction.  These  snakes  feed  principally 
upon  toads. 

Three  species  of  the  Hog-nosed  Snakes — these  comprising 
the  entire  genus  Heierodon — inhabit  North  America.  They 
frequent  dry,  sandy  places.  An  outline  of  these  species  is  given : 

377 


The  Hog-nosed  Snakes 

a.  Central  portion  of  abdomen  yellow  or  greenish. 

Ground-colour  yellow,  brown,  reddish  or  olive,  with 
large,  dark  blotches  on  back  and  smaller  ones  on  sides. 
Sometimes  entirely  black.  Pattern  rather  irregular. 

COMMON  HOG-NOSED  SNAKE,  H.  platyrhinus . 
Distribution. — Massachusetts  to   Florida;  westward 

to  the  Missouri. 

Gray  or  brown,  with  large  blotches  on  back  and  smaller 
ones  on  sides.  The  pattern  is  fairly  regular.  Smaller 
than  preceding  species,  with  sharper  snout. 

SOUTHERN    HOG-NOSED    SNAKE,  H.  StmUS. 

Distribution. — Florida  and  Georgia  to  the  Mississippi. 

b.  Central  portion  of  abdomen,  black. 

Yellowish;  large  blotches  on  back  and  two  rows  of  smaller 
ones  on  sides.  Snout  very  sharply  upturned. 

WESTERN    HOG-NOSED    SNAKE,     H.  nasicUS. 

Distribution. — United  States  west  of  the  Mississippi ; 
northern  Mexico. 

Detailed  descriptions  of  these  species  follow: 

THE  COMMON   HOG-NOSED  SNAKE* 
Heterodon  platyrbinus,  (Latreille) 

The  largest  species  attaining  a  length  of  over  a  yard.  With 
its  very  thick  body,  triangular,  flat  head  and  turned-up  nose,  it 
looks  highly  formidable. 

Colouration. — The  body-colour  may  be  yellow,  brown  or 
reddish,  with  an  irregular  pattern,  consisting  of  large  patches 
of  dark  brown  or  black  upon  the  back  from  the  neck  to  the  base 
of  the  tail,  where  they  assume  the  formation  of  half-rings.  These 
blotches  are  separated  by  interspaces  of  ground-colour  that  show 
a  more  intensified  hue  than  upon  the  sides.  In  alternation  with 
the  blotches  on  the  back  is  a  row  of  smaller  blotches  on  each 
side.  The  edges  of  the  abdominal  plates  are  generally^  blotched 
or  profusely  spotted  with  black.  The  central  portion  of  the 
abdomen  is  yellowish  or  greenish. 

Variations. — The  variability  of  shades  in  the  ground-colour 
of  different  individuals  and  the  arrangement  and  size  of  the 
blotches  are  great.  Many  specimens  have  a  tinge  of  bright 
brick-red  upon  the  neck,  while  the  remainder  of  the  body  is 
marked  in  ordinary  fashion.  At  the  time  of  compiling  this  de- 

*  Also  known  as  Spreading  Adder,  Puff  Adder,  Flat-headed  Adder, 
Blow  Snake  and  Sand  Viper. 

378 


The  Hog-noeed  Snakes 

scription,  the  writer  has  before  him  a  specimen  with  yellow  body 
colours  which  gradually  assume  a  reddish  hue  toward  the  head, 
and  for  a  distance  of  about  two  inches  the  neck  is  brick-red  and 
in  bold  contrast  to  the  other  colours.  Another  specimen  shows 
a  ground-colour  of  the  same  tinge  (red)  for  more  than  half  the 
length  of  the  body,  while  the  spots  of  the  back  fuse  into  those  of 
the  sides,  giving  the  snake  the  appearance  of  being  strongly 
banded  with  red  and  black.  A  third  specimen  is  olive  green, 
with  the  spots  very  indistinct  upon  the  back,  where  slightly 
paler  patches  of  colour  show  what  should  be  the  spaces  between 
them.  Specimens  found  in  very  dry  and  open  sandy  places  are 
usually  light  in  colour,  while  those  frequenting  wooded  districts 
show  darker  shades. 

With  few  exceptions,  the  head  is  of  a  uniform  brown  or  yel- 
lowish-brown, with  a  dark  band  crossing  the  top,  slightly  in  front 
of  the  eyes.  Behind  the  eyes  is  a  broken  band,  from  which 
radiate  two  others  extending  into  the  neck,  where  they  widen 
to  form  two  large  patches.  A  short  band  extends  from  the  eye 
to  the  angle  of  the  mouth. 

Freshly  hatched  specimens  resemble  the  parent  in  pattern, 
but  show  more  vivid  colours. 

Dimensions. — The  measurements  given  are  of  an  average- 
sized  specimen : 

Total  Length 28    inches. 

Length  of  Tail 4i       " 

Greatest  Diameter i  J 

Width  of  Head i 

Length  of  Head if 

Height  of  Rostral  (the  nose  shield) J       " 

The  largest  specimen  examined  by  the  writer  measured  40^ 
inches  in  length.  It  was  taken  near  Raleigh,  North  Carolina. 
Another  specimen,  37  inches  long,  came  from  Sullivan  Co.,  N.  Y. 

Distribution. — The  wide  distribution  may  be  concisely  out- 
lined thus:  Southern  Massachusetts  to  Florida  (inclusive)  and 
westward  to  the  eastern  slopes  of  the  Rocky  Mountains.  An 
abundant  species  in  dry,  sandy  places. 

Habits  of  the  Hog-nosed  Snake 

Owing  to  one  habit  at  least,  the  Hog-nosed  Snake  is  odd 
among  serpents.  This  is  the  trait  of  feigning  death  when  fright- 

379 


The  Hog-nosed  Snakes 

ened  and  finding  escape  impossible,  for  the  species  is  so  thick- 
bodied  that  it  is  unable  to  get  over  the  ground  with  any  show  of 
speed.  Among  serpents,  the  habit  in  question  is  limited  to  the 
species  of  a  very  few  genera.  The  Hog-nosed  Snakes  are  not 
restricted  to  this  one  interesting  character.  They  may  best  be 
illiterately,  but  concisely,  described  as  "bluffers." 

When  the  Hog-nosed  Snake  first  discovers  danger,  its  first 
impulse  is  to  make  for  safety,  but  owing  to  its  custom  of  travers- 
ing sandy  areas  or  ploughed  fields  where  it  flattens  to  enjoy  the 
sun,  shelter  is  a  long  way  off  and  out  of  the  question.  Realising 
that  it  cannot  escape  the  object  of  its  fright,  the  snake's  first 
move  is  to  inspire  fear  on  the  part  of  the  -enemy  that  the  latter 
will  leave  it  with  the  thought  that  venom  is  part  of  its  make-up. 
Taking  a  long  breath,  that  it  may  expand  its  stubby  body  as 
much  as  possible,  the  snake  follows  this  move  by  flattening  the 
head  and  neck  to  such  an  extent  that  the  neck  becomes  fully 
three  times  the  normal  width,  causing  the  colours  to  stand  out 
vividly  on  the  distended  skin  while  the  head  assumes  the  most 
formidable  outlines.  It  may  be  said  in  justice  to  the  reptile's 
antics  that  a  Hog-nosed  Snake,  playing  this  game  of  bluff  is  the 
personification  of  villainy,  and  an  angry  copperhead  beside  it, 
in  spite  of  that  reptile  being  genuine  among  the  dangerous,  would 
appear  quite  angelic  to  a  popular-minded  observer. 

While  flattened  and  in  every  way  over-doing  the  actions  of 
the  most  deadly  snakes,  the  reptile  ejects  the  deep  breath  it  has 
taken  in  a  long,  sharp,  hissing  sound.  This  manoeuvre  completes 
a  picture  of  ferocity  seldom  to  be  seen  among  serpents.  The 
writer  has  watched  the  majority  of  the  world's  most  deadly 
snakes  assume  their  various  fighting  attitudes,  but  he  will  give  this 
harmless  and  really  gentle  creature  the  credit  for  appearing  even 
more  hostile  than  the  African  vipers  which  are  among  the  most 
fear-inspiring  in  aspect  of  any  of  the  really  poisonous  Serpents. 

During  these  very  hostile  symptoms  the  Hog-nosed  Snake 
continues  to  hiss  with  energy  and  strike  repeatedly  at  the  object 
of  its  annoyance.  To  one  understanding  snakes,  the  actions 
are  amusing,  for  if  the  hand  lye  placed  within  reach  of  the  snake's 
jaws  it  is  never  bitten,  and  it  must  be  explained  that  during  all 
these  feints,  the  snake  cannot  be  induced  to  bite.  Its  object 
is  simply  to  frighten  away  the  enemy  in  order  to  render  possible 
an  escape. 

380 


The  Hog-nosed  Snakea 

If  these  fighting  symptoms  do  not  produce  the  desired 
effect  of  freeing  it  from  molestation,  the  Hog-nosed  Snake  tries 
different  tactics.  Suddenly  opening  its  mouth,  it  appears  to  be 
injured  and  to  lose  strength.  Then  a  convulsion  seemingly 
seizes  the  snake,  as  it  contorts  its  body  into  irregular  undulations 
ending  in  a  spasmodic  wriggling  of  the  tail  when  the  reptile 
turns  on  its  back  and  lies  limp  and,  to  all  appearances,  dead. 

So  cleverly  and  patiently  does  the  snake  feign  death  that  it 
may  be  carried  about  by  the  tail  for  half  an  hour  or  more,  hung 
over  a  fence  rail  where  it  dangles  and  sways  to  a  passing  breeze, 
or  tied  in  a  knot  and  thrown  in  the  road,  and  to  all  of  this  treat- 
ment there  is  no  sign  of  life  except  from  one  condition.  In  spite 
of  this  remarkable  shamming  the  snake  may  be  led  to  betray 
itself  if  placed  upon  the  ground  on  its  crawling  surface.  Then 
like  a  flash  it  turns  upon  its  back  again  and  once  more  becomes 
limp  and  apparently  lifeless.  It  appears,  according  to  this  crea- 
ture's reasoning,  that  a  snake  to  look  thoroughly  dead  should 
be  lying  upon  its  back.  This  idea  is  persistent,  and  the  experi- 
ment may  be  repeated  a  dozen  times  or  more. 

Should  the  observer  retreat  some  distance  away,  while  the 
reptile  lies  thus,  or  he  seek  nearby  concealment,  the  craftiness 
of  the  animal  may  be  realised.  Seeing  nothing  further  to  alarm, 
the  serpent  raises  its  head  slightly  and  surveys  its  surroundings, 
and  if  there  is  no  further  sign  of  the  enemy  it  quickly  rolls  over 
upon  its  abdomen  and  glides  away  as  fast  as  its  thick  body 
will  carry  it.  But  at  such  a  moment  a  move  on  the  observer's 
part  would  send  the  reptile  on  its  back  again,  with  ludicrous 
precipitation. 

With  such  hostile  airs  and  thick-set  body,  this  snake  is  gener- 
ally regarded  throughout  the  regions  it  inhabits  as  having  fangs 
and  a  poison  to  correspond  with  its  deadly  appearance.  Nor 
can  those  that  entertain  this  idea  be  blamed  when  we  consider  the 
lack  of  popular  works  on  the  American  reptiles,  and  the  time- 
worn  explanation  that  "the  poisonous  snake  may  be  told  at  a 
glance  from  the  harmless  one  by  the  triangular  head  and  thick 
body" — which  outlines  are  displayed  by  a  large  number  of  our 
harmless  snakes  when  irritated,  in  fact  to  such  an  extent  that 
many  of  them  assume  the  character  more  distinctly  than  the  dan- 
gerous snakes  themselves. 

In  some  sections  the  Hog-nosed  Snake  is  thought  to  be  so 

381 


The  Hog-nosed  Snakes 

poisonous  that  its  very  hiss  is  the  exhalation  of  a  venomous 
breath.  The  reptile  is  known  by  such  formidable  names  as 
"  Flat-headed  Adder,"  the  "  Puff  Adder,"  the  "Spreading  Viper" 
and  "Blow  Snake."  In  many  districts  it  is  mistaken  for  the 
copperhead  snake. 

The  food  of  this  snake  seems  limited  to  toads  and  frogs. 
It  much  prefers  the  former.  As  explained  in  the  description,  the 
light  specimens  occur  usually  in  very  dry,  sandy  places,  while  the 
darker  forms  are  found  in  woods  or  moist  situations.  The  dark 
specimens  will  usually  eat  both  frogs  and  toads;  the  light  spec- 
imens, with  few  exceptions,  refuse  frogs  altogether  and  confine 
their  diet  to  toads.  The  species  feeds  voraciously  in  captivity. 
The  majority  of  specimens  will  so  gorge  themselves  that  further 
feeding  is  temporarily  impossible.  The  wide  head  and  great 
elasticity  of  the  jaws  enables  this  snake  to  swallow  very  large 
prey  in  proportion  to  its  size.  It  is  not  unusual  for  a  small  snake 
to  engage  in  a  struggle  with  a  very  large  toad;  the  toad  may  be 
possibly  three  or  four  times  the  diameter  of  the  thickest  part  of 
the  snake's  body,  and  the  little  reptile  may  be  rolled  and  dragged 
about  by  the  batrachian  for  nearly  an  hour,  but  finally  engulfs 
the  toad,  which  so  distends  and  weighs  down  the  serpent's  body 
that  it  drags  itself  with  great  difficulty  to  a  place  of  concealment 
to  await  assimilation  of  the  meal.  During  the  process  of  swal- 
lowing a  large  and  vigorous  toad  the  reptile  is  greatly  aided  by 
the  pair  of  large  teeth  in  the  rear  of  the  mouth,  which,  being 
sharply  recurved,  hold  the  struggling  prey  in  a  grip  that  seldom  fails. 

The  Hog-nosed  Snake  is  oviparous,  depositing  about  two 
dozen  eggs,  during  the  latter  part  of  July.  The  eggs  are  white 
and  leathery,  and  like  most  snake  eggs  are  so  deposited  in  a 
cluster  that  they  adhere  together.  As  has  been  noted  with  ser- 
pents' eggs  in  general,  they  absorb  moisture  as  they  deyelop  and 
gradually  increase  in  size.  Just  prior  to  the  time  of  hatching 
they  are  at  least  a  third  larger  than  when  laid  and  distorted  in 
form;  they  are  then  rather  spherical  instead  of  elongated  as  at 
the  time  of  deposit. 

THE    BLACK    HOG-NOSED   SNAKE;   BLACK   "ADDER" 

Heterodon  platyrlinus ,  variety  niger,  (Baird  &  Girard) 
This  formidable  looking  reptile  is  but  a  colour  variety  of 
the  preceding  snake.     While   the  writer  is    not    in    favour    of 

382 


The  Hog-nosed  Snakes 

naming  varieties  from  difference  of  colour  alone,  the  total  absence 
of  pattern  from  large  numbers  of  specimens  which  are  black  or 
very  dark  gray,  points  to  a  character  that  should  be  recognised 
for  the  guidance  of  the  popular  student  and  the  beginner  in 
this  branch  of  zoology. 

Colouration. — Above,  the  body  is  very  dark  gray,  or  slaty 
black,  with  no  trace  of  pattern. 

The  top  of  the  head  is  black,  but  the  upper  lip  plates  (supe- 
rior labials)  are  white,  with  a  tinge  of  black  at  their  borders  or 
sprinkled  with  black  dots.  The  flat  portion  of  the  upturned 
snout  is  also  white,  as  is  the  chin  and  throat;  farther  down  the 
undersurface  the  white  fades  into  gray. 

Dimensions. — In  size,  this  variety  agrees  with  the  typical 
form.  The  largest  specimen  examined  showed  the  following 
measurements: 

Total  Length 36    inches. 

Length  of  Tail 5$ 

Greatest  Diameter i£      " 

Length  of  Head if       " 

Width  of  Head ij 

This  specimen  was  captured  in  Sullivan  County,  New  York. 
Distribution. — The   Black   Hog-nosed   Snake  is  distributed 
over  the  same  area  as  given  for  the  typical  form. 

THE  SOUTHERN   HOG-NOSED  SNAKE 
Heterodon  simus,  (Linn.) 

Considerably  smaller  than  the  preceding  species — attaining 
a  length  of  about  twenty  inches — and  stouter  in  form.  The 
shovel-like  rostral  plate  (on  the  snout)  is  more  prominent  and 
very  sharply  upturned. 

Colouration. — Pale  brownish-gray  above;  with  a  series  of 
large,  rather  irregular  patches  of  blackish-brown  on  the  back; 
between  these  blotches  the  body-colour  is  slightly  paler  than  on 
the  sides.  Beneath  these  spots,  on  each  side  of  the  reptile,  is 
a  row  of  smaller  spots,  in  alternation  with  those  above. 

With  the  exception  of  ibis  smaller  row  of  spots  on  the  sides  the 
ground-colour  presents  a  plain,  unspotted  surface,  and  the  abdomen 
is  likewise  immaculate.  This  is  in  contrast  to  the  preceding  and 
more  generally  distributed  species,  with  wbicb  tbe  sides  of  tbe  reptile 

383 


The  Hog-nosed  Snakes 

and  ibe  edges  of  ike  abdominal  -plates  are  profusely  spotted  or 
blotched  with  black. 

At  a  glance,  the  pattern  of  the  present  species  appears 
plainer — more  sharply  defined — than  with  the  commoner  snake, 
although  the  arrangement  of  the  bolder  markings  is  very  similar. 

There  is  a  broken  band  across  the  top  of  the  head,  and  another 
from  the  eye  to  the  angle  of  the  mouth.  On  the  nape  are  two 
large  blotches. 

Variations. — The  body-colour  varies  from  gray  to  yellow. 
Many  specimens  have  a  tinge  of  brick-red  on  the  neck  or  over  a 
considerable  portion  of  the  forward  part  of  the  body. 

Dimensions. — The  measurements  of  a  specimen  taken  in 
Hampton  County,  South  Carolina,  are  given: 

Total  Length 18^  inches 

Length  of  Tail 2j 

Greatest  Diameter £ 

WidthofHead f      " 

LengthofHead ij 

Distribution. — Of  limited  distribution,  this  snake  occurs 
from  South  Carolina,  inclusive,  throughout  Florida  and  west- 
ward to  the  Mississippi. 

Habits. — Stouter  in  body  and  with  very  abruptly  upturned 
snout,  this  species  when  irritated  succeeds  in  looking  yet  more 
hostile  than  the  preceding.  It  is  greatly  dreaded  by  the  Southern 
negroes,  who  believe  its  actions  portray  venomous  powers  quite 
equal  to  the  rattlesnake.  On  all  sides  it  is  mercilessly  slaughtered 
as  the  "  Blow  Snake  "  or  "Sand  Viper." 

In  habits  the  species  is  very  similar  to  the  Common  Hog- 
nosed  Snake.  The  majority  of  specimens  taken  by  the  writer 
were  sunning  in  the  cotton  fields.  It  is  much  less  abundant  than 
the  allied  species  and  unlike  the  latter,  which  often  wanders  into 
the  timber,  appears  to  have  a  decided  preference  for  dry  "and  open 
places. 

Captive  specimens  will  eat  both  toads  and  frogs,  but 
they  prefer  the  former. 

THE  WESTERN   HOG-NOSED  SNAKE 

Heterodon  nasicus,  (Baird&Girard) 

The  present  species  is  most  nearly  allied  to  the  Southern 
Hog-nosed  Snake,  though  it  is  a  larger  reptile.  With  this  snake, 

384 


'f    I 


The  Hog-nosed  Snakes 

the  characteristic  snout,  that  so  readily  distinguishes  species  of 
the  genus,  is  most  strikingly  developed. 

Colouration. — By  one  character,  the  present  species  may  at 
once  be  recognised  from  the  closely  allied  H.  simus.  That  is 
presence  of  a  wide  area  of  black,  covering  the  central  portion  of  the 
abdomen.  The  back  is  pale  brown  or  yellowish,  with  a  series 
of  closely  set,  darker  blotches  on  the  back,  and  two  rows  of 
smaller,  alternating  blotches  on  the  sides. 

The  head  is  much  paler  than  the  body  and  strongly  marked 
with  bands  of  rich  brown,  arranged  thus:  Two  bands  cross  the 
top  of  the  head;  another  extends  from  behind  the  eye  to  the 
angle  of  the  mouth,  while  on  each  temple  is  a  wide  blotch  or 
band  of  the  same  colour.  Between  these  blotches  is  a  short,  dark 
bar. 

Variations. — With  many  specimens  the  scales  of  the  sides  are 
white,  with  brown  centres,  while  the  back  looks  decidedly  yellow 
and  velvety,  with  but  smoky  traces  of  the  large  blotches.  The 
upper  row  of  blotches  on  the  sides,  however,  is  usually  distinct, 
as  are  the  head  markings. 

Dimensions. — Following  are  the  measurements  of  a  large 
specimen,  from  western  Texas : 

Total  Length 23 £  inches. 

Length  of  Tail 2f 

Greatest  Diameter £      " 

Width  of  Head £      " 

Length  of  Head ITV 

Distribution. — Western  United  States  and  northern  Mexico. 
The  general  range  is  extensive  including  Montana  in  the  North, 
and  the  Dakotas.  Eastward,  the  species  ranges  into  Arkansas  and 
westward  into  Arizona,  thence  into  Sonora,  Mexico.  It  does  not 
occur  in  the  Pacific  region. 

Habits. — The  species  is  of  less  excitable  disposition  than  the 
Eastern  Hog-nosed  Snakes.  It  can  never  be  induced  to  bite, 
though  it  will  sometimes  bluff  at  doing  so  by  striking  with  closed 
jaws  at  the  object  of  annoyance.  None  of  the  writer's  specimens 
could  be  induced  to  eat  anything  but  toads,  and  of  these,  very 
small  snakes  would  often  engulf  prey  of  extraordinary  propor- 
tions as  compared  with  the  reptile's  girth.  Although  a  batrachian 
was  often  strong  enough  to  drag  the  snake  about  with  it,  the  toad 
was  swallowed  without  what  appeared  to  be  undue  exertion. 

385 


CHAPTER  XLI :  THE  OPISTHOGLYPH  SNAKES  OF 
NORTH   AMERICA 

A  Division  of  Mildly  Poisonous  Serpents,  with  Grooved  Fangs  in 
the  Rear  of  the  Upper  Jaw — The  Many  Species  Occur  in 
Both  the  Eastern  and  the  Western  Hemispheres 

Classification  and  Distribution. — The  Opisthoglyph  snakes 
form  a  division  of  the  family  Colubridce.  From  the  other  mem- 
bers they  are  readily  separated  by  the  presence  of  a  pair,  or  several 
pairs  of  grooved  teeth  in  the  rear  of  the  upper  jaw.  These  snakes 
are  divided  into  three  sub-families,  seventy-nine  genera  and  a 
very  large  number  of  species.  But  one  of  the  sub-families  is 
represented  in  the  New  World — the  Dipsadomorphina,  a  few 
species  of  which  occur  in  the  southern  portions  of  the  United 
States.  There  are  numerous  species  in  Mexico,  Central  America 
and  tropical  South  America,  but  the  greater  number  inhabit  Asia. 

General  Characters. — It  is  the  popular  idea  that  the  poisonous 
serpent  may  generally  be  told  by  its  thick  body  and  wide,  tri- 
angular head,  and  that  a  few  venomous  species  of  the  New  World 
— the  Coral  Snakes  (Elaps) — resemble  the  harmless  serpents  in 
outlines  but  may  be  at  once  distinguished  by  their  colouration. 
These  conclusions  are  incorrect.  As  to  the  inconsistency  of  brand- 
ing a  snake  as  poisonous  because  it  has  a  broad  and  flat,  triangular 
head,  the  student  is  referred  to  the  many  species  of  thick-bodied, 
harmless  serpents  described  and  illustrated  in  the  preceding 
pages.  In  regard  to  the  idea  of  the  Coral  Snakes  forming  the  few 
exceptions  where  venomous  snakes  resemble  the  slender-bodied, 
harmless  species,  the  succeeding  pages,  dealing  with  the  Opis- 
thoglyph serpents,  will  be  found  to  explain  conditions  quite  to  the 
contrary. 

Aside  from  those  snakes  representing  in  North  America 
the  sub-family  Crotalince — the  Pit  Vipers,  and  the  sub-family 
Elapina — the  Coral  Snakes,  there  are  various  species  of  poisonous 
serpents.  This  is  a  condition  not  generally  understood  as  the 
Opisthoglypha  has  either  been  classed  as  a  group  comprising 

386 


The  Opisthoglyph  Snakes  of  North  America 

inoffensive  species,  or  its  members  designated  as  "suspects" 
owing  to  the  presence  of  elongated,  grooved  teeth  in  the  rear 
portion  of  the  upper  jaw.  It  should  be  understood  that  the 
Opisthoglyph  snakes  are  distinctly  poisonous.  The  grooved  teeth 
are  poison-conducting  fangs,  and  connect  with  glands  in  the  rear 
portion  of  the  head.  The  fangs  are  ordinarily  employed — as 
is  the  venom  apparatus  of  all  serpents — to  subdue  and  to  kill  the 
prey,  and  not  to  use  as  weapons  of  aggression  upon  mankind. 

The  majority  of  these  snakes  are  but  mildly  poisonous  and 
consequently  not  dangerous  to  man  in  the  effects  of  their  bites. 
Moreover,  if  biting  in  self-defence,  they  do  not  generally  employ 
their  fangs  as  it  is  difficult  for  them  to  produce  a  wound  with  the 
venom-conducting  teeth  unless  they  take  deliberate  hold  and 
advance  the  jaws  in  the  familiar,  chewing  motion  of  snakes,  thus 
bringing  the  grooved  teeth  into  a  position  to  be  imbedded.  Few 
snakes,  unless  grasped  by  the  body,  will  use  their  jaws  in  this 
fashion.  If  cornered,  they  simply  "strike."  As  the  Opis- 
thoglyph snakes  are  timid  and  active,  accidents  from  them  are 
very  rare.  However,  persons  have  been  bitten  by  these  snakes, 
yet  escaped  being  wounded  by  the  fangs.  Such  observers  have 
emphatically  asserted  that  such  snakes  are  innocuous  and  have 
thus  set  down  their  views  in  literature.  There  has  consequently 
arisen  a  tangled  argument  about  these  creatures. 

An  examination  of  the  teeth  and  a  dissection  of  the  head  will 
remove  all  doubt  as  to  the  poisonous  character  of  any  of  the 
species.  The  venom  apparatus  is,  in  fact,  fully  as  perfect — 
though  rather  in  miniature — as  that  of  the  much  dreaded  viperine 
snakes,  but  in  place  of  the  fangs  being  perforated  and  ejecting 
their  venom  from  an  orifice  at  the  tip,  they  are  grooved  from  the 
base  to  the  tip.  The  accompanying  figures,  illustrating  the  struc- 
ture of  the  fangs  of  various  snakes,  demonstrate  the  quite  dif- 
ferent dentition  of  these  serpents  from  the  better-known  poison- 
ous reptiles. 

Though  the  writer  has  stated  that  most  of  the  species  oc- 
curring in  North  America  are  not  liable  to  produce  injuries 
actually  formidable  to  man,  wounds  from  the  fangs  of  snakes 
belonging  to  the  genera  Sibon  or  Trimorphodon,  would  likely  be 
followed  by  marked  local  symptoms. 

The  poison  of  the  Opisthoglyph  snakes  appears  to  exert  a 
powerful,  benumbing  influence  upon  the  prey,  which,  when 

387 


The  Opisthoglyph  Snakes  of  North  America 

seized,  is  worked  quickly  backward  into  the  mouth  by  alternate, 
grasping  movements  of  the  jaws,  until  the  fangs  are  firmly  im- 
bedded, and  in  this  position  it  is  held  until  all  struggles  have 
ceased,  when  it  is  swallowed.  The  prey  is  generally  benumbed 
and  helpless  within  one  or  two  minute's  time.  After  a  period 
of  about  five  minutes  it  appears  to  be  quite  dead.  The  bitten 
creature  seems  to  die  with  the  muscles  perfectly  relaxed  and  in 
this  condition  is  easily  swallowed  by  the  snake  as  the  limbs  fold 
readily  against  the  body  during  the  progress  of  the  snake's  jaws 
over  it.  To  observe  one  of  these  snakes  feeding  is  to  appreciate 
the  existence  of  an  excellent  development  for  the  overpowering 
of  the  reptile's  prey. 

Though  it  has  not  hitherto  been  the  custom,  the  writer 
without  hesitation  classes  the  Opisthoglypba  among  the  poisonous 
snakes,  and  would  advise  the  student  to  discriminate  between 
living  examples  of  these  reptiles  and  the  wholly  innocuous  snakes 
they  so  closely  resemble. 

An  outline  of  the  North  American  genera  follows:* 

I.  Pupil  elliptical. 

Si^e  moderate. 

Body  rather  slender;  head  flat,  wide  and  very  distinct 

from  the  neck. 
Colouration. — Pale,  with  darker  blotches. 

Two  loreal  plates.  Trimorplodon. 

Distribution. — Southwestern  United  States;  Mexico 

and  Central  America. 

Conformation  and  colouration  similar  to  preceding  genus. 
One  loreal  plate.  Sibon. 

Distribution. — Texas,  Mexico  and  Central  America. 

II.  Pupil  round. 
Si%e  small. 

Body  moderately  slender.     Head  but  slightly  distinct. 
Pattern  (of  local  species)  in  bands  extending:  lengthwise. 

Erythrola  mprus . 
Distribution. — Texas,    Mexico,    Central   and  South 

America. 
Si%e  very  small. 

Body  moderately  slender;    head    not  distinct.      Body 

brown;   head  blackish.  Tantilla. 

Distribution. — Southern   United  States  from  South 

Carolina  to  California;  Mexico,  Central  America 

and  South  America. 


*The  species  of  all  the  genera  have  smooth  scales. 

388 


The  Opisthoglyph  Snakes  of  North  America 

The  Genus  Trimorphodon:  This  is  essentially  a  Central 
American  and  Mexican  genus.  But  one  species  ranges  north- 
ward into  the  United  States.  All  of  the  species  are  of  moderate 
size — some  reaching  a  length  of  a  yard  and  the  thickness  of  a 
man's  forefinger.  The  neck  is  slender,  but  the  head  is  broad, 
flat  and  very  distinct,  with  large  eyes,  having  a  cat-like  (elliptical) 
pupil.  The  species  look  like  viperine,  poisonous  snakes  and  their 
temper  is  not  of  the  best.  The  food  consists  of  lizards,  young 
snakes  and  batrachians — frogs  and  salamanders. 

THE  JEW'S-HARP  SNAKE 
Trimorphodon  lyrophanes,  (Cope) 

Moderate  in  size — two  and  a  half  to  three  feet  in  length. 
Rather  slender;  neck  very  slender;  head  broad  and  very  distinct 
— swollen  at  the  temples,  and  with  large  eyes,  the  pupils  elliptical. 

Colouration. — Light  gray;  about  twenty  pairs  of  deep  brown 
blotches  on  the  back  (to  the  base  of  tail);  tail  also  blotched. 
There  is  an  irregular  row  of  blotches  on  the  sides.  Abdomen 
white;  dark  spots  on  the  edges  of  many  of  the  shields. 

On  the  top  of  the  head  is  a  large  patch  of  deep  brown,  its  out- 
lines suggesting  those  of  a  jew's-harp. 

Dimensions. — Total  Length 30    inches. 

Length  of  Tail 6 

Greatest  Diameter f       " 

Width  of  Head |      " 

Length  of  Head i| 

Distribution. — Southern  Arizona;  Lower  California. 

The  Genus  Sibon:  Formation  and  size  similar  to  the  pre- 
ceding genus,  but  there  is  a  single  loreal  plate  in  place  of  two  as 
existing  with  Trimorphodon.  Seven  species  comprise  this  genus. 
They  inhabit  Mexico  and  Central  America.  One  extends  north- 
ward into  southern  Texas. 

THE  ANNULATED   SNAKE 
Sibon  septentrionalis,  (Kennicott) 

Size  moderate;  body  rather  slender,  the  tail  gradually 
tapering  to  a  slender  tip.  Head  very  broad  and  distinct  from 
neck;  swollen  at  the  temples.  Eyes  large,  with  elliptical  pupil. 
Ventral  plate  divided — like  the  preceding  species. 

389 


The  Opisthoglyph  Snakes  of  North  America 

Colouration. — Greenish-gray  or  yellowish  above  with  large, 
black  or  brown  blotches — six  or  eight  scales  long  and  extending 
downward  nearly  to  the  edges  of  the  abdominal  plates.  Ab- 
domen yellowish. 

Across  the  rear  part  of  the  head  is  an  obscure,  pale  band. 

Dimensions. — Total  length,  30  inches;  tail  about  one-fifth 
the  total  length.  The  head  is  fully  twice  as  wide  as  the  diam- 
eter of  the  neck. 

Distribution. — Southern  portions  of  Texas,  New  Mexico  and 
Arizona.  Mexico  generally  and  southward  to  Panama. 

Habits. — A  captive  specimen,  now  living  for  several  years, 
is  persistently  secretive,  though  it  feeds  readily.  It  spends 
most  of  the  time  in  hiding  under  a  flat  stone  in  the  cage  or  in  a 
hollow  it  scoops  in  the  gravel  beneath  the  drinking  pan.  About 
the  food,  it  is  not  particular,  eating  snakes,  lizards,  young  mice 
and  frogs.  Among  these  creatures  it  takes  the  young  snakes 
and  frogs  most  readily.  The  species  seems  to  be  oviparous,  as 
this  snake  laid  a  dozen  eggs  a  few  days  after  her  arrival.  They 
were  deposited  in  a  hollow  she  had  scooped  in  the  sand,  under  a 
flat  stone. 

The  Genus  Erytbrolamprus:  The  species  are  smaller  than 
those  of  the  preceding  genera;  the  body  is  rather  slender  and  the 
head  but  slightly  distinct.  Eyes  with  a  round  pupil. 

Six  species  are  recognised.  With  the  exception  of  one, 
they  are  confined  to  Mexico  and  Central  America. 

THE   BLACK-BANDED  SNAKE 
Erytbrolamprus  imperialis,  (Baird) 

Small  in  size  and  with  a  rather  slender  body.  The  head  is 
but  slightly  distinct  from  the  neck.  Ventral  plate  divided. 

Colouration. — Pale  brown;  a  black  band  on  the  back  and 
a  similar  band  on  each  side.  Abdomen  reddish;  sometimes 
spotted. 

A  black-bordered,  yellow  line  from  the  snout  to  the  temple. 

Dimensions. — Total  length,  14  inches;  tail,  6  inches. 

Distribution. — Central  America  and  Mexico,  northward  into 
southern  Texas. 

The  Genus  Tantilla — the  Black-headed  Snakes:  In  the 
number  of  species,  Tantilla  is  a  fairly  large  genus,  but  all  of  the 

39° 


The  Opisthoglyph  Snakes  of  North  America 

members  are  of  diminutive  proportions.  They  inhabit  the 
southern  portions  of  the  United  States,  Mexico,  Central  America 
and  South  America.  Most  of  the  species  have  a  pale  brown 
body  and  a  black  head. 

The  body  is  slender,  with  about  fifteen  rows  of  smooth, 
opalescent  scales;  the  head  is  flat  and  not  distinct  from  the  neck. 
In  front  of  the  eye  is  a  single  plate  (preocular).  The  loreal  plate 
is  lacking.  (See  Figure.) 

These  tiny  serpents  are  provided  with  the  usual  dentition 
of  the  Opistboglypb  snakes — grooved  fangs  on  the  rear  portion  of 
the  upper  jaw,  but  may  be  classed  among  the  reptiles  innocuous 
to  man  as  their  microscopic  teeth  would  be  unable  to  draw  blood. 

The  species  of  Tantilla  lead  a  secretive,  or  burrowing  life. 

A  concise  list,  only,  is  given  of  these  serpents: 

General  Colouration. — Body  brown ;  head  blackish. 

A.  Seven  upper  lip  plates  (superior  labials'). 

a.  A  yellow  or  white  ring  at  base  of  head. 
Yellow  ring  followed  by  a  broader  ring  of  black. 

CROWNED  SNAKE,  T.  coronata,  (B.  &  .G.) 

Dimensions. — Length 9  inches. 

Tail if 

Diameter T3^    " 

Width  of  Head T\ 

Length  of  Head -fa    " 

Distribution. — Southeastern  States.     South  Carolina 

to  Florida  (inclusive) ;  westward  to  Mississippi. 
Yellow  ring  bordered  in  rear  by  black  dots. 

EISEN'S  BLACK-HEADED  SNAKE,  T.  eiseni,  (Stejneger.) 
Distribution — Seven  specimens  known ;  all  captured 
twenty-five  years  ago,  at  Fresno,  California. 

b.  No  yellow  ring  at  base  of  head. 

TEXAS  BLACK-HEADED  SNAKE,  T.  nigriceps,  (Kennicott). 
Distribution. — Texas  and  New  Mexico. 

B.  Six  upper  lip  plates. 

Colouration  like  the  preceding  species. 

SLENDER  BLACK-HEADED   SNAKE,  T.  gracilis,  (B.  &  G.) 

Distribution. — Missouri  to  Texas. 

Among  these  North  American  Opistboglypb  snakes,  the  species 
of  Trimorpbodon  and  Sibon  alone,  are  actually  dangerous.  For- 
tunately, they  are  easy  to  recognise  by  the  distinct  head  and 
cat-like  eye.  Compared  with  the  other — degenerate — snakes 
of  the  kind  inhabiting  the  United  States,  they  are  unique. 


CHAPTER  XLII:    THE  ELAPINE  POISONOUS 

SNAKES 
SUB-FAMILY 


A  Large  Sub-family  of  the  COLUER.ID/E  Embracing  tie  Old 
World  Cobras  and  Their  Allies,  and  the  American  Coral 
Snakes  —  Resume  of  the  ELAPIN/E  —  Descriptions  of  the 
North  American  Species  —  Their  Habits 

Classification  and  Distribution.  —  With  the  exception  of  the 
Coral  Snakes  (genus  Flaps'),  the  Elapine  snakes  inhabit  the  Old 
World.  This  sub-family  is  composed  of  twenty-nine  genera, 
which  embrace  about  one  hundred  and  forty  species. 

While  the  Elapine  snakes  occur  abundantly  in  Africa, 
southern  Asia  and  throughout  the  Malay  Archipelago,  they  are 
most  elaborately  represented  in  Australia  and  New  Guinea. 
Australia  teems  with  these  formidable  reptiles  which  compose 
the  serpent  life  of  that  great  island,  with  the  exception  of  a  very 
few  harmless  species.  The  Black  Snake  (Pseudechis  porpbyria- 
cus},  the  Tiger  Snake  (Hoplocepbalus  curtus),  the  Brown  Snake 
(Diemenia  superciliosd)  and  the  Death  Adder  (Acantbopbis 
antarcticd)  are  among  the  deadly  snakes  of  the  latter  country. 
With  the  exception  of  the  Death  Adder,  these  species  are  very 
closely  allied  to  the  Cobras,  and  exhibit  a  tendency  to  dilate  the 
neck  into  a  "hood"  when  angered. 

The  largest  species  of  the  Elapine  snakes  are  the  Cobras, 
genus  Naja,  which  inhabit  southern  Asia,  the  Malay  Archipelago 
and  Africa.  The  majority  of  these  serpents,  of  which  there  are 
ten  species,  attain  a  length  of  six  feet,  and  one  species,  fhe  King 
Cobra  (N.  bungarus},  grows  to  a  length  of  twelve  feet.  Probably 
the  most  familiar  example  of  the  Elapince  is  the  Cobra-de-capello 
(N.  tripudians)  of  southern  Asia  and  Malaysia.  This  is  the  snake 
so  frequently  employed  by  the  Hindoos  in  their  exhibitions. 
Another  well-known  species  is  the  Egyptian  Cobra,  or  "Asp" 
(N.  baje),  alleged  by  historians  to  have  been  used  in  the  suicide 
of  Cleopatra.  When  annoyed,  the  majority  of  the  Cobras  rear 
the  forward  portion  of  the  body  from  the  ground,  and  dilate  the 

392 


The  Elapine  Poisonous  Snakes 

neck  broadly,  thus  producing  the  familiar  "hood."  The  skin 
is  spread  by  a  number  of  movable  ribs,  which  lie  against  the  back- 
bone when  the  snake  is  in  a  passive  mood. 

The  American  Elapine  serpents — ibe  Coral  Snakes — although 
structurally  related  to  the  deadly  and  vivacious  Cobras  and  their 
allies,  are  rather  degenerate  reptiles,  of  considerably  smaller  pro- 
portions. All  evince  burrowing  habits,  and  the  greater  number  of 
the  species  occur  in  tropical  South  America  and  Central  America. 

Anatomy  of  the  Elapine  Snakes. — From  a  structural  stand- 
point, with  the  exception  of  the  teeth,  the  Elapine  serpents  are 
exactly  like  the  typical  harmless  snakes — sub-family  Colubrince. 
The  majority  of  the  species  are  slender  of  body,  with  a  rather 
narrow  head.  A  Cobra,  when  in  a  passive  mood,  exhibits  much 
the  same  outlines  as  the  harmless  Gopher  Snake  (Spilotes  corais 
couperi)  of  the  southern  United  States.  Compare  heads 
(figured)  of  the  coral  snakes  with  those  of  the  harmless 
species.  Hence  the  beginner  must  again  make  careful  note 
that  all  poisonous  snakes — and  in  fact  some  of  the  most  deadly 
known  species — cannot  be  distinguished  by  the  possession  of  a 
"broad,  triangular  head."  That  rule  applies  to  the  viperine 
snakes,  but  is  by  no  means  infallible  in  separating  the  latter  from 
many  of  the  thick-bodied  innocuous  species. 

With  a  thorough  technical  knowledge  of  snakes,  this  involv- 
ing their  scalation  and  distribution,  the  Elapine  snakes  may  be 
generally  recognised  upon  a  hasty  examination  of  their  external 
characters.  With  most  of  the  species  a  certain  plate  on  each 
side  of  the  head — the  loreal — is  lacking.  This  plate  is  to  be  found 
with  the  greater  number  of  the  harmless  colubrine  snakes.  Its 
position  is  indicated  on  the  heads  figured. 

An  examination  of  a  skeleton  head  of  one  of  these  reptiles 
at  once  shows  the  reason. for  giving  the  Elapine  serpents  a  distinct 
place  in  classification.  On  the  front  portion  of  the  upper  jaw 
bones  is  a  pair  of  short,  stout  fangs  that  are  rigid  in  their  position 
—that  is,  they  do  not  fold  against  the  roof  of  the  mouth 
as  do  the  long  fangs  of  the  viperine  snakes.  On  the  front 
surface  of  these  fangs  is  a  distinct  groove.  In  fact  these 
snakes  have  been  described  as  possessing  "grooved"  fangs.  This 
term,  however,  is  misleading  and  might  tend  to  bring  about  the 
idea  that  the  structure  of  the  fangs  is  the  same  as  that  displayed 
with  the  dentition  of  the  Opisthoglyph  snakes — previously 

393 


The  Elapine  Poisonous  Snakes 

considered.  Such  is  not  the  case.  Although  the  face  of  the  fang 
is  deeply  furrowed,  the  venom-conducting  teeth  contain  a  canal 
for  the  flow  of  poison  and  open  in  a  small  orifice  at  the  tip,  in 
the  same  fashion  as  a  hypodermic  needle.  To  be  more  detailed 
in  this  explanation  it  might  be  said  that  the  Elapine  snakes 
stand  midway  between  the  Opisthoglyph  serpents  and  the  Vipers, 
as  regards  the  development  of  the  fangs.  With  the  Opisthoglypha 
the  venom  is  conducted  down  the  fangs  by  a  groove;  with  the 
Elapince  (or  Proteroglypha)  the  tooth  is  folded  over  the  groove, 
forming  a  canal,  yet  leaving  the  former  very  apparent  in  the  pro- 
cess of  evolution,  while  the  viperine  snakes  possess  fangs  of  the 
most  perfect  development,  though  on  the  front  of  each  is  a  faint 
indication  of  the  groove. 

Compared  with  the  fangs  of  the  viperine  snakes,  the  poisonous 
instruments  of  the  Elapine  serpents  are  very  small.  While  the 
fangs  of  a  seven-foot  rattlesnake  are  nearly  an  inch  in  length, 
the  poison-conducting  teeth  of  a  twelve-foot  King  Cobra — the 
most  deadly  of  all  snakes — are  but  five-sixteenths  of  an  inch  in 
length — but  the  poison  of  the  Elapince  attacks  the  nerves  and 
does  not  require  injection  to  any  depth  before  beginning  its  fatal 
work. 

The  American  Elapine  Serpents 

The  Coral  Snakes — genus  Elaps  :  These  snakes  have  derived 
their  popular  title  from  the  bright,  coral  red,  arranged  in  broad 
rings  on  many  of  the  species.  With  the  majority  of  the  Coral 
Snakes,  the  pattern  consists  of  broad  rings  of  red  and  black,  and 
narrow  rings  of  yellow. 

The  Coral  Snakes  are  of  moderate  size,  with  a  cylindrical 
body,  rather  short  tail,  and  blunt  head  not  distinct  from  the 
neck.  The  eyes  are  very  small  and  bead-like.  With  all  of  the 
species  the  scales  are  smooth,  highly  polished  and  opalescent. 
The  brilliant  colours,  combined  with  the  lustre  of  the  scales 
cause  these  reptiles  to  be  among  the  most  beautiful  of  the  snakes. 
As  captives,  however,  they  are  uninteresting,  continually  en- 
deavouring to  burrow  away  from  the  light  and  displaying  a  decided 
indifference  toward  feeding. 

Of  the  total  number  of  Coral  Snakes — about  twenty-eight 
species — but  two  occur  in  the  United  States.  The  majority 
inhabit  tropical  South  America.  In  the  latter  country  they 

394 


The  Elapine  Poisonous  Snakes 

attain  a  fair  size.  Elaps  marcgravii,  E.  corallinus  and  E.  surin- 
amensis  attain  a  length  of  four  and  five  feet  and  their  bites,  with 
man,  are  usually  followed  by  speedy  death.  The  various  species 
display  subterraneous  habits,  for  which  they  are  structurally 
well-fitted,  owing  to  their  cylindrical  form,  but  are  frequently 
found  wandering  above  ground.  All  of  the  species  are  cannibal- 
istic, feeding  upon  the  smaller  species  of  harmless  snakes  and 
upon  lizards. 

Before  entering  upon  descriptions  of  the  North  American 
species,  the  student  should  understand  that  there  are  several 
innocuous  serpents  in  our  Southern  States  that  closely  "mimic" 
the  Coral  Snakes  in  colouration,  form  and  size.  Moreover,  these 
reptiles  are  to  be  found  in  much  the  same  situations  as  the  poison- 
ous species.  Their  pattern  is  a  brilliant  combination  of  red, 
yellow  and  black  rings,  or  ring-like  blotches.  They  are  frequently 
mistaken  for  Coral  Snakes  and  as  such  are  slain.  But  it  is  inter- 
esting and  rather  startling  to  explain  that  the  venomous  reptiles 
are  as  often  mistaken  for  the  harmless  ones,  and  carelessly  handled. 

Among  the  harmless  snakes  that  are  apt  to  confuse  the 
student,  are  the  following  species : 

LeConte's   Snake,       Rbinocbilus   lecontei.  "|  Southwestern 

Arizona  King  Snake,  Opbibolus  fonatus.  U.  S. 

Western  Milk  Snake,  doliatus  gentilus.    J 

Milk  Snake,  ")   Southeastern 

Dwarf  King  Snake,  "      coccineus.    >  U.  S. 

Scarlet  Snake,  Cemophora    coccinea.  J 

All  of  the  species  quoted  have  much  the  same  colours  as 
the  North  American  Coral  Snakes,  either  in  rings,  completely 
encircling  the  body,  or  in  a  semi-ringed  fashion  above.  Yet  the 
disposition  of  these  rings  is  different  from  that  of  Elaps  and,  once 
understood,  will  greatly  aid  the  student  in  immediately  distin- 
guishing the  dangerous  from  the  harmless  reptiles. 

With  the  species  of  Elaps,  the  black  rings  are  bordered  on 
each  side  by  the  yellow  ones.  With  the  harmless  snakes,  the 
yellow  rings  are  bordered  on  each  side  by  the  black. 

Another  important  point  to  remember  is  that  with  the  Coral 
Snakes  the  bands  of  colour  completely  encircle  the  body.  With 
several  of  the  non-venomous  imitators  mentioned,  the  similarity 
to  Elaps,  from  above,  is  very  striking,  but  the  abdomen  is  either 
uniform  white  or  is  blotched. 

395 


The  Elapinc  Poisonous  Snakes 

The  North  American  Coral  Snakes  may  be  readily  separated 
from  one  another  by  the  arrangement  of  the  colours,  as  seen  by 
the  following  formula: 

General  Pattern. — Broad  red  and  black  rings;  narrower  yellow 
rings. 

Snout  black;  a  broad  yellow  band  across  centre  of  head 

and  behind  this  a  black  ring. 
Yellow  rings  of  body  very  narrow. 

HARLEQUIN      SNAKE J   CORAL    SNAKE,   E.   fulvius. 

Distribution. — North  Carolina  to  southern  Mexico. 
Greater  portion  of  head  black;  a  yellow  band  on  back 

of  head  and  behind  this  a  red  ring. 
Yellow  rings  on  body  rather  broad. 

SONORA  CORAL  SNAKE,  E.  euryxantbus. 
Distribution. — Arizona;  northern  Mexico. 

Detailed  descriptions  of  the  species,  with  notes  upon  their 
habits,  are  herewith  given. 

THE   HARLEQUIN    SNAKE;   CORAL   SNAKE 
Elaps  fulvius  (Linn.) 

It  is  owing  to  the  striking  colouration  that  the  name  of  Har- 
lequin Snake  has  been  given  to  this  species,  which  is  rather  slender 
and  seldom  attains  a  length  of  more  than  a  yard.  The  head 
is  flat,  very  blunt,  and  not  distinct  from  the  neck. 

Colouration. — The  pattern  consists  of  broad  rings  of  deep 
scarlet  and  blue-black,  separated  by  narrow  rings  of  yellow.  The 
snout  is  black  and  a  wide  band  of  yellow  crosses  the  middle  of 
the  head ;  behind  this  is  the  first  black  ring  of  the  body  pattern. 

The  red  and  the  black  rings  of  the  body  are  from  seven  to 
twelve  scales  wide;  the  yellow  rings  exhibit  a  width  of  from  one 
to  two  scales.  On  the  back  the  red  rings  usually  contain  spots 
and  patches  of  black;  beneath,  they  are  generally  uniform  red 
with  the  exception  of  a  large  blotch  of  black  in  the  centre  of  the 
abdomen. 

The  tail  contains  none  of  the  red  rings,  being  black  with 
broad  rings  of  yellow. 

Variations. — In  the  United  States  this  species  is  fairly  con- 
stant in  pattern,  although  with  some  specimens  the  crimson 
rings  are  so  suffused  with  spots  and  blotches  of  black  as  to  impart 
a  decidedly  dull  appearance  in  comparison  with  individuals  on 
which  the  red  is  vividly  apparent. 

396 


The  Elapine  Poisonous  Snakes 

Mexican  specimens  display  marked  variations  of  pattern. 
The  black  rings  are  rather  narrow  and  the  red  rings  very  wide — 
from  two  to  three  times  the  width  of  the  black  rings.  With  such 
specimens  the  yellow  rings  are  merely  represented  by  a  tinge  of 
that  colour  upon  the  tips  of  single  scales  bordering  the  black 
areas.  It  is  quite  possible  that  a  large  series  of  Mexican  specimens 
would  prove  these  reptiles  to  be  worthy  of  a  distinct,  varietal 
name.  An  illustration  is  presented  of  a  typical  specimen  from 
Marion  County,  Florida. 

Colours  of  Young  Specimens. — The  pattern  of  the  young  is 
precisely  like  that  of  the  parent,  though  the  colours  are  paler. 
The  red  rings  are  represented  by  a  pale  brick  colour.  (Illus- 
trated.) 

Dimensions.  —The  largest  specimen  examined,  from  the 
United  States,  was  37  inches  in  length.  This  is  considerably 
above  the  average  for  specimens  north  of  Mexrco.  The  measure- 
ments of  an  average-sized  adult  from  Gainesville,  Florida,  are 
given : 

Total  Length 28^  inches. 

Length  of  Tail   2%      " 

Greatest  Diameter £       " 

Width  of  Head TV     " 

Length  of  Head f       " 

A  freshly  hatched  specimen  measured  yf  inches  in  length 
and  one-eighth  of  an  inch  in  diameter  at  the  thickest  part  of  the 
body. 

Distribution. — The  species  ranges  from  northern  North 
Carolina  to  the  Gulf  of  Mexico,  westward  through  Texas,  thence 
southward  into  Central  America.  It  has  extended  its  distribution 
up  the  Mississippi  Valley  as  far  north  as  southern  Ohio,  where 
occasional  specimens  are  found. 

Habits  of  the  Coral  Snake 

Much  has  been  written  about  the  alleged  inoffensive  habits 
of  this  snake.  By  some  writers  it  is  described  as  mildly  poisonous, 
and  quoting  Prof.  E.  D.  Cope,  "innocuous  to  man  and  the  larger 
animals,"  which  information  is  intended  to  convey  the  impres- 
sion that  the  Coral  Snake  is  too  small  to  be  deadly  to  anything 
but  the  small  creatures  that  constitute  its  food. 

Slender  and  brightly  coloured,  with  a  small,  harmless 

397 


The  Elapine  Poisonous  Snakes 

appearing  head,  this  pretty  creature  is  known  to  possess  poisonous 
fangs,  but  from  a  theoretical  standpoint  the  assumption  is  that  a 
snake  of  such  graceful  appearance,  with  all  the  characteristic 
stamp  of  a  venomous  snake  removed,  is,  if  poisonous  at  all,  very 
mildly  so.  This  is  the  argument,  and  the  writer  has  many  times 
observed  these  attractively  coloured  reptiles  handled  in  the  most 
careless  manner,  and  has  been  scoffed  at  for  interfering  for  the 
good  of  the  careless  individual  who  would  not  believe. 

The  Coral  Snake  belongs  to  a  sub-family  that  contains  some 
of  ike  most  deadly  known  species  of  snakes.  Among  its  near  allies 
are  the  Cobra-de-capello,  the  Krait  and  the  Australian  Tiger 
Snake.  All  the  snakes  of  this  sub-family  are  noted  for  their 
resemblance  to  the  harmless  snakes,  and  though  possessing  very 
small  poison  fangs  are  provided  with  a  venom  that  is  more  deadly 
in  effect  than  that  of  the  thick-bodied  vipers. 

It  is  owing  to  the  fact  of  the  Coral  Snake  possessing  very 
short  fangs  that  some  scientists,  who  have  made  detailed  examina- 
tions of  alcoholic  specimens,  have  pronounced  their  verdict— 
"poisonous,  but  very  slightly  so."  It  might  be  well  for  these 
writers  to  appreciate  that  the  fangs  of  the  Coral  Snake  are  slightly 
larger  in  proportion  to  the  reptile's  si^e  than  those  of  the  acknowledged 
deadly  Cobra,  and  that  the  former  reptile  secretes  a  venom  more 
powerful  than  that  of  the  rattlesnake. 

Thus,  in  spite  of  its  pretty  colours  and  alleged  "docile 
nature,"  the  writer  /eels  that  this  serpent  should  be  described  as 
it  really  is.  It  should  be  placed  in  the  list  of  dangerously  poi- 
sonous snakes — given  rank  in  point  of  deadliness  with  the  long- 
fanged  vipers,  in  comparison  with  which  its  poisonous  characters 
have  been  scoffed  at. 

During  many  years,  the  writer  has  examined  several  hundred 
specimens  of  this  snake  and  at  no  time  has  been  able  to  note  any 
particular  degree  of  docility.  It  is  true  that  a  serpent  of  this 
kind  may  be  handled  without  accident,  as  its  actions  in  biting  are 
quite  different  from  many  snakes.  Nevertheless,  the  danger  is 
great  in  handling  it.  It  might  be  incidentally  explained  that  the 
rattlesnake,  the  copperhead  and  the  moccasin  might  likewise 
be  handled  after  the  fever  of  anger  attending  their  capture  has 
passed.  Such  has  been  the  case  with  many  reckless  men  who 
style  themselves  "rattlesnake  charmers,"  and  the  like.  When 
first  disturbed  in  their  native  wilds,  these  latter,  thick-bodied 

398 


The  Elapine  Poisonous  Snakes 

serpents  are  more  emphatic  in  their  declarations  of  anger,  while 
the  Coral  Snake,  rather  sluggish  in  attitude,  may  be  mistaken 
in  its  demeanour  to  be  "good  natured."  It  should  be  explained 
that  the  rattlesnakes  and  their  allies  usually  become  quite  tame 
as  captives,  when  they  will  submit  to  being  handled  with  ap- 
parent good  nature. 

The  Coral  Snake  differs  from  crotaline*  snakes  in  seldom  or 
never  striking  at  the  object  of  its  anger.  If  cornered  it  will  lie 
sullenly  motionless,  or  throw  its  body  into  a  series  of  irregular 
loops,  under  which  the  head  is  often  hidden.  If  unduly  annoyed 
the  reptile  behaves  in  a  peculiar  manner.  It  twists  from  side 
to  side,  lying  motionless  for  a  few  seconds,  then  throwing  itself 
into  a  different  position.  The  movements  are  jerky  and  erratic 
and  seemingly  without  purpose.  Then  the  reptile  is  treacherous 
and  dangerous.  Its  movements  are  lightning-like  and  quite 
different  from  those  displayed  by  the  majority  of  snakes.  If 
touched  lightly  upon  the  side,  the  small  head  is  swung  around  and 
the  jaws  grasp  the  offending  object,  when  the  serpent  chews 
until  the  small  but  formidable  fangs  have  been  imbedded  a  num- 
ber of  times. 

In  unpacking  freshly  captured  specimens,  the  writer  has 
frequently  seen  them  turn  and  bite  with  the  rapidity  of  a  steel 
spring  suddenly  released  from  tension.  This  act  of  biting  is 
unattended  by  any  sign  of  warning.  It  may  be  caused  by  the 
simple  touch  of  a  stick  against  the  snake's  body.  The  amount 
of  venom  yielded  at  such  times  is  a  mute  illustration  of  the  crea- 
ture's power  of  doing  damage.  A  moment  previous  to  this  ex- 
hibition, the  snake  may  be  perfectly  motionless  and  in  an  ap- 
parent state  of  lethargy.  Thus  does  the  Coral  Snake  defend  itself 
with  a  poison  which  resembles  that  of  the  Cobra-de-capello. 
Surely  it  would  not  be  appropriate,  after  noting  such  observations, 
to  describe  this  snake  as  "mildly  poisonous"  or  "innocuous  to 
man  and  the  larger  animals." 

Like  all  of  the  snakes  representing  the  genus  Elaps,  the 
Coral  Snake  is  of  burrowing  habits.  It  is  sometimes  found  hiding 
under  the  bark  of  decaying  logs,  and  is  often  exhumed  in  plough- 
ing. After  heavy  showers  and  at  night  it  issues  forth  in  search 
of  food,  which  consists  of  snakes  and  lizards.  The  species  is  very 

*  Comprehensive  title  for  the  sub-family  to  which  the  rattlesnake, 
copperhead,  moccasin.and  allies  belong. 

399 


The  Elapine  Poisonous  Snakes 

fond  of  the  blue-tailed  lizard  (Eumeces)  and  finds  them  without 
trouble  as  they  creep  under  the  loose  bark  of  logs  and  fallen  timber 
for  the  night. 

In  captivity,  the  Coral  Snake  invariably  dies  within  a  few 
weeks  if  denied  a  situation  that  permits  it  burrowing  and  hiding 
for  the  greater  part  of  the  time.  It  may  be  kept  successfully 
by  giving  it  a  case  provided  with  several  inches  depth  of  sphagnum 
moss;  but  it  is  delicate  and,unless  kept  in  a  temperatureof  seventy- 
five  degrees  Fahrenheit  or  over,  will  persistently  refuse  food. 
Experiments  were  conducted  in  the  reptile  house  for  several 
years  with  a  view  of  producing  quarters  where  this  interesting 
snake  could  be  placed  on  exhibition  to  be  seen,  and  yet  to  partially 
favour  its  subterranean  habits.  When  placed  on  thin  layers  of 
moss  and  sand  it  continually  burrowed  for  a  place  to  hide  and 
refused  all  food.  Specimens  in  cases  well  filled  with  moss, 
lived  and  thrived,  but  were  never  seen  by  visitors.  Finding  it 
practically  impossible  to  strike  the  happy  medium,  a  few  spec- 
imens are  kept  on  hand  to  be  uncovered  occasionally  for  the  bene- 
fit of  students,  but  the  idea  of  an  exhibition  cage  has  for  some 
time  been  abandoned. 

When  feeding,  this  snake  displays  a  ferocity  and  snappiness 
of  motion  quite  contrary  to  its  generally  sluggish  disposition.  If 
the  prey  be  a  snake,  it  is  quickly  seized  by  the  neck  or  body  and 
the  fangs  advanced  in  a  series  of  chewing  movements.  At  the 
beginning,  this  operation  injects  considerable  venom  and  prepares 
the  prey  for  the  swallowing  process.  Working  its  fangs  along  the 
body  of  the  fated  creature,  the  snake  shifts  its  victim  into  a  posi- 
tion whence  it  may  be  swallowed  head  first.  Frequently  the 
quarry  defends  itself  vigorously,  biting  the  body  of  its  foe  and 
twisting  itself  about  in  a  manner  calculated  to  worry  the  enemy 
and  release  the  grip  of  the  relentless  jaws.  To  these  struggles, 
the  poisonous  snake  pays  little  attention  unless  they  become 
especially  energetic,  when  it  makes  another  series  of  wounds  with 
the  fangs,  biting  with  a  jerky,  side  movement,  with  the  evident 
view  of  imbedding  the  venom-conducting  teeth  as  deeply  as  pos- 
sible. The  fight  is  of  short  duration,  for  the  prey  is  soon  be- 
numbed, when  the  limp  body  is  engulfed  at  leisure. 

The  Coral  Snake  is  oviparous.  Its  eggs  are  very  elongate 
and  are  deposited  in  decaying  bark  or  damp  soil.  A  large  spec- 
imen in  the  writer's  collection  laid  seven  eggs  on  the  29th  of  June. 

400 


THE  REPTILE  BOOK 


PLATE  CXVII 


ANNULATED   SNAKE,  Sibon  septenlrionale 

This  Western  snake  has  short,  stout  fangs  in  the  rear  of  the  upper  jaw.     Its  bite  quickly  paralyses  small  mammals  and  reptiles 
and  it  should  be  rated  as  a  reptile  dangerous  to  man,  though  not  a  deadly  one 


3  4 

3  and  4     HEAD  OF  SONORA  CORAL  SNAKE,  E.  euryxanthus 
3     Side.  4     Top. 


i  and  2     HEAD  OF  HARLEQUIN  SMAKE,  Elaps  fulvius. 

i    Top.  2     Side. 

Belonging,  fp  the  subfMmly  Eloping,  the  Coral  Snakes  are  allied  to  the  cobras  of  the  Old  World.     They  have  a  pair  of  short,  per- 
mai.cntly  •  r.-it  f;in,,-<- on  thr  f<.r.vard  part  of  the  upper  jaw.     Their  bites  often  prove  fatal  to  man.     Many  species   are  found 


in  Central  ind  South  Ann»ica' 


The  Elapine  Poisonous  Snakes 

One  of  them  was  opened  and  found  to  contain  a  translucent 
embryo  about  two  inches  in  length.  The  remainder  were  placed 
in  damp  wood  pulp  in  the  temperature  of  an  ordinary  living- 
room.  From  the  batch  another  was  opened  on  the  6th  of  August. 
It  contained  a  white  and  perfectly  formed  embryo,  5^  inches 
long,  showing  the  scalation  to  be  well  formed,  but  without  trace 
of  pattern.  The  specimen  was  translucent  and  when  held  to 
the  light,  the  heart,  performing  its  pulsations,  could  be  clearly 
seen.  The  five  remaining  eggs  hatched  between  the  26th  and 
28th  of  September.  The  young  were  about  7  inches  long  and 
one-eighth  of  an  inch  in  thickness.  They  were  very  active, 
and  when  removed  from  the  hatching  tray  with  a  pair  of  forceps, 
grasped  the  steel  tips  in  an  endeavour  to  use  their  diminutive 
fangs. 

THE   SONORA  CORAL  SNAKE 
Elaps  euryxanihus,  (Kennicott) 

The  size  is  smaller  than  that  of  the  preceding  species.  The 
tail  is  short  and  blunt. 

Colouration. — The  general  character  of  the  pattern  is  quite 
distinct  from  that  of  the  Harlequin  Snake.  The  colours  are 
disposed  in  rather  broad  rings  of  crimson  or  brick-red,  and  equally 
broad  rings  of  black,  which  are  separated  by  yellow  rings.  Com- 
pared with  E.  falvius,  however,  the  red  and  the  black  rings  will 
be  seen  to  be  proportionately  narrower  and  the  yellow  rings 
much  broader.  On  the  forward  portion  of  the  body,  above, 
the  red  rings  are  very  narrowly  edged  with  black.  They  con- 
tain no  black  spots  or  blotches  as  do  the  red  areas  on  the  allied 
species. 

The  forward  portion  of  the  head  is  black.  On  the  back  of  the 
head  is  a  broad  band  of  yellow,  followed  by  the  first  red  ring  of 
the  body  pattern.  The  latter  character  at  once  distinguishes 
this  species  from  the  Harlequin  Snake. 

There  are  three  broad  black  rings  on  the  tail,  separated  by 
narrower  ones  of  yellow. 

Dimensions. — The  only  specimen  of  this  rare  snake  available 
to  the  writer  for  measurement,  has  not  attained  its  full  size, 
but  the  figures  given  well  demonstrate  the  general  propor- 
tions : 

401 


The  Elapine  Poisonous  Snakes 

Total  Length 15   inches. 

Length  of  Tail „ , i  £    " 

Greatest  Diameter.  ... 

Widthof  Head .,     £   " 

Length  of  Head |     " 

Distribution. — Central   and   southern   Arizona   and    Sonora, 
Mexico. 


403 


THE  REPTILE  BOOK 


PLATE  CXX 


Copyright.  1907,  by  Doubleday.  Page  &  Company 
HARLEQUIN  SNAKE  :  CORAL  SNAKE,  Elaps  fulvius. 

Several  of  the  harmless  snakes  look  much  like  this  beautiful  and  dangerous  little  creature.  It  should  be  noted  that  the  yellow  rings 
border  the  black,  a  condition  reversed  among  the  non-venomous  serpents  with  similar  colours.  The  Coral  Snake  is  a  burrowing  species, 
often  ploughed  up  in  the  fields— yet  it  is  sometimes  found  wandering  on  the  surface.  Its  food  consists  of  small  snakes  and  lizards.  The 
habitat  includes  the  Southern  States  and  Mexico. 


Copyright,  1907,  by  Doubleday,  Page  &  Company 
SONORAN  CORAL  SNAKE.  Elaps  euryxanthiis. 
A  little  known  species  of  the  Southwest  and  northern  Mexico. 


CHAPTER   XLIII:   THE  VIPERINE  SNAKES 
FAMILY  VIPERID/E 

The  Thick-bodied  Poisonous  Snakes  of  the  New  World — Serpents 
Distinguished  by  Their  Long  Fangs,  which  Fold  Against  the 
Roof  of  the  Mouth  when  it  is  Closed 

Classification  and  Distribution. — The  family  Viperidce  is  of 
moderate  size.  It  is  composed  of  about  one  hundred  and  twenty- 
five  species,  representing  thirteen  genera.  The  species  are  scat- 
tered over  the  temperate  and  tropical  portions  of  both  the  Eastern 
and  the  Western  Hemispheres.  The  yiperidce  is  divided  into 
two  sub-families,  these  technically  termed  the  Viperince,  (the 
True  Vipers),  the  species  of  which  are  found  only  in  the  Old  World, 
and  the  Croialina,  or  "Pit  Vipers,"  occurring  in  both  the  Old 
and  the  New  World,  but  attaining  their  greatest  size  and  varia- 
bility of  form  in  the  latter.  Thus,  in  North  America,  all  of  the 
thick-bodied  poisonous  snakes  are  "Pit  Vipers"  or  Crotaline  ser- 
pents. The  members  of  both  sub-families  may  be  recognised 
by  the  flat  triangular  head,  very  distinct  from  the  neck  and  the 
elliptical  (cat-like)  pupil  of  the  eye.  The  top  of  the  head,  with 
the  majority  of  the  species,  is  covered  with  very  small,  granular 
scales.  Some  show  regularly  arranged  head  shields  of  much  the 
same  formation  and  character  as  those  of  the  colubrine  snakes. 

The  Pit  Vipers:  The  sub-family  Crotalince,  containing 
the  rattlesnakes,  the  copperhead  snake,  the  moccasin  and  the 
"fer-de-lance"  has  acquired  the  popular  title  for  its  members — 
the  Pit  Vipers — owing  to  a  peculiar  development  seen  with  all 
the  species.  This  consists  of  a  deep  pit,  situated  between  the 
eye  and  the  nostril.  The  orifice  is  lined  with  a  delicate  epidermis 
and  connects  with  a  well-developed  nerve  extending  backward 
to  the  brain.  That  this  pit  is  of  some  use  to  the  snake,  seems  very 
probable,  when  the  attendant  nerve  development  is  considered. 
Many  investigations  have  been  attempted,  with  the  result  of  com- 
plicated anatomical  repetitions  in  the  line  of  description,  but 

403 


The  Viperine  Snakes 

with  no  actual  proof  of  the  function  of  this  organ.  Nor  do  ob- 
servations of  living  snakes  aid  in  solving  the  problem.  It  is 
intimated  by  some  scientists  that  the  "pit"  is  an  organ  of  hearing, 
but  there  is  little  to  back  this  assertion.  The  Pit  Vipers  possess 
the  same  rudimentary,  internal  ears  as  do  other  snakes,  and 
evince  no  superiorty  in  distinguishing  sound  over  serpents  ob- 
served generally.  Dr.  Leonhard  Stejneger,  Curator  of  Reptiles 
in  the  United  States  National  Museum,  favours  the  idea  of  a 
sixth  sense,  in  relation  to  the  Pit,  and  explains  that  man  may 
never  comprehend  the  nature  of  a  sense  which  he  himself  does 
not  possess. 

Dissection  reveals  the  Pit  to  be  more  complicated  than 
seen  by  external  examination.  It  extends  backward  toward 
the  eye  and  widens  into  a  second  opening,  close  to  the  eye-ball. 
A  horse-hair  inserted  close  to  the  forward  portion  of  the  eye-ball 
will  appear  through  the  large  opening  between  the  eye  and  the 
nostril.  Suffice  it  to  say  with  these  few  words  of  explanation, 
that  the  object  of  the  Pit  of  the  Crotalince,  remains  to  be  dis- 
covered, but  in  identification,  it  serves  as  a  constant  and  valuable 
guide. 

The  poison  apparatus  of  the  Crotaline  snakes  consists  of 
two  long  and  hollow  teeth — fangs — provided  with  an  elongated 
orifice  at  their  tips  for  the  ejection  of  venom.  These  fangs  are 
the  exact  reproduction,  in  hard  enamel,  of  the  hypodermic  needle. 
It  might  more  appropriately  be  said,  that  mankind  in  manu- 
facturing the  hypodermic  needle  exactly  duplicated  the  poison 
fangs  of  these  reptiles.  The  fangs  are  rigidly  fastened  to  a  movable 
bone  of  the  upper  jaw,  and  each  connects  with  a  gland,  situated 
behind  the  eye,  and  containing  the  venom.  When  the  jaws  are 
closed,  the  fangs  fold  back  against  the  roof  of  the  mouth.  As 
the  jaws  are  opened,  they  spring  forward,  ready  for  action.  The 
forcible  ejection  of  venom  from  the  fangs  is  caused*  by  the  con- 
traction against  the  glands,  of  the  muscles  which  close  the  jaws. 
The  ejecion  of  poison  is  voluntary,  and  unless  the  reptile  so 
desires  there  is  no  necessity  in  closing  the  jaws,  to  contract  these 
muscles  sufficiently  to  force  venom  from  the  glands.  The  fangs 
are  covered  with  a  sheath  of  thin  and  white,  membraneous  flesh. 
This  is  never  withdrawn  from  them  except  during  the  act  of 
biting.  A  figure  shows  the  fangs  uncovered  as  would  be  the  case 
after  being  imbedded,  during  a  bite;  an  accompanying  illus- 

404 


The  Viperine  Snakes 

tration  shows  the  fangs  covered  with  the  membrane.  Thus 
they  are  seen  when  a  poisonous  snake  is  yawning. 

The  fangs  are  shed  at  intervals  of  about  three  months  apart, 
and  by  a  neat  provision  of  Nature  the  new  fang  grows  into 
place  beside  the  one  about  to  be  shed  and  becomes  connected 
with  the  poison  gland,  before  the  old  fang  becomes  loosened. 
The  writer  has  examined  many  specimens  possessing  two  per- 
fectly developed  fangs  on  one  side  of  the  jaw.  The  old  fang 
is  shed  by  being  left  imbedded  in  the  body  of  the  prey  that  is 
bitten  by  the  snake  and  is  consequently  swallowed  with  the 
prey.  So  hard  is  its  composition  that,  although  the  bones,  claws 
and  even  the  teeth  of  the  engulfed  animal  are  entirely  dissolved, 
the  swallowed  fang  is  unaffected  by  the  action  of  the  gast'ic 
juices.  In  a  figure  showing  an  osteological  preparation,  the 
growth  of  auxiliary  fangs  may  be  seen  behind  the  acting  pair. 
This  constant  renewing  of  the  fangs  explodes  the  common  sup- 
position that  a  poisonous  snake  may  be  rendered  harmless  by 
removing  its  fangs.  Though  the  main  pair  of  fangs  be  re- 
moved the  snake  is  not  rendered  even  temporarily  harmless,  for 
poison  is  discharged  in  the  act  of  biting  from  the  base  of  the  ex- 
tracted fangs  and  the  small  teeth  of  the  upper  jaw,  employed 
normally  by  the  snake  in  swallowing  its  prey,  would  produce 
lacerations  through  which  the  venom  would  come  in  contact 
with  the  blood. 

As  previously  explained,  the  fangs  themselves  are  not  mov- 
able, but  are  rigidly  attached  to  movable  bones.  In  the  act  of 
striking,  the  jaws  are  opened  to  such  an  extent  and  the  fangs  so 
elevated  that  their  tips  point  almost  directly  forward.  In  strik- 
ing toward  a  perpendicular  surface  the  serpent  literally  stabs 
with  these  teeth  and  instantly  draws  back  to  the  position  of  de- 
fence. If  striking  toward  a  rounded  surface  or  a  small  object, 
the  jaws  close  upon  it  enough  to  imbed  the  fangs,  but  so  lightning- 
like  is  this  motion  that  the  movements  of  the  jaws  can  barely  be 
followed  by  the  human  eye.  The  mouth  is  not  opened  until  the 
head  has  started  forward,  and  it  is  during  the  latter  part  of  the 
blow  that  the  jaws  are  thrown  open  to  the  extent  described. 

At  most,  the  snake  strikes  about  one-half  its  length  when 
delivering  an  accurately  aimed  blow,  and  generally  strikes  a  much 
shorter  distance,  in  proportion  to  its  length.  Not  unless  goaded 
into  a  condition  of  frenzy  does  it  strike  a  distance  equal  to  two- 

405 


The  Viperine  Snakes 

thirds  of  the  length,  and  such  blows  are  wild,  and  delivered  aim- 
lessly. No  poisonous  snake  springs  bodily  at  the  object  of  its 
anger;  such  a  feat  with  a  serpent  is  physically  impossible.  The 
defensive  methods  of  the  numerous  North  American  species  will 
be  discussed  in  the  respective  descriptions  of  the  species. 

In  this  work,  it  would  be  inappropriate  to  tarry  and  discuss 
at  length  the  investigations  concerning  the  composition  of  snake 
poison.  It  is  important,  however,  to  consider  the  best  known 
remedies  for  snake-bite,  and  thus  suggest  what  actions  should 
be  taken  in  case  of  accident. 

Remedies  for  Snake-bite. — Against  the  action  of  the  subtle 
fluid  mankind  has  battled  in  the  search  for  an  "antidote,"  and 
many  are  the  alleged  cures  for  "snake-bite,"  though  few  are  the 
actually  useful  chemicals  known  in  case  of  catastrophe  with  human 
kind.  The  administration  of  large  doses  of  whiskey  is  not  only 
useless  but  exceedingly  harmful.  In  small  doses,  whiskey  is  a 
valuable  stimulant  and  combats  the  paralysing  action  of  the 
venom.  In  large  doses  it  stimulates  but  briefly,  and  then  be- 
numbs the  faculties,  reducing  the  system  to  a  condition  most 
susceptible  to  the  action  of  the  poison.  It  is  a  bold  assertion, 
but  nevertheless  true,  that  the  majority  of  so-called  cures  by 
the  whiskey  method  have  been  but  "recoveries,"  by  frightened 
individuals,  from  the  bites  of  harmless  snakes.  The  writer  re- 
members an  interesting  instance  in  South  Carolina,  when  a 
powerful  Negro  was  bitten  on  the  thumb  by  a  copper-bellied 
"moccasin"  (the  harmless,  red-bellied  water  snake),  which 
is  reputed  to  be  a  rival  in  deadliness  of  the  dreaded  "cotton- 
mouth."  The  man  had  started  to  kill  the  snake  and  becoming 
bold  attempted  to  pick  the  reptile  up  by  the  tail  and  "snap  its 
head  ofT."  The  snake  yet  possessed  sufficient  life  to  turn  and 
grasp  his  finger.  The  result  was  several  punctures  from  the  needle- 
like  teeth.  In  a  hysterical  condition  the  Negro  was  ted  to  the 
village,  where  his  feelings  were  somewhat  relieved  by  the  assur- 
ances of  the  wise  ones  that  they  had  heard  of  cases  where  the 
bite  of  that  same  species  of  snake  had  been  cured  by  the  adminis- 
tration of  large  quantities  of  whiskey.  The  Negro  drank  enough 
liquor  to  intoxicate  half  a  dozen  men,  but  was  so  excited  that 
his  head  remained  clear  and  he  continually  re-told  the  snake's 
fiendish  attack  upon  his  life.  Later  in  the  day  he  became  drowsy 
and  after  prolonged  slumber  awoke  to  explain  that  his  life  had 

406 


The  Viperine  Snakes 

been  saved.  The  news  travelled  rapidly  and  the  value  of  whiskey 
for  snake-bite  was  much  exploited  in  the  district. 

It  is  of  interest  to  review,  from  a  simple  and  practical  stand- 
point, the  best  treatment  in  case  of  accident.  First,  of  impor- 
tance, is  to  shut  off  the  flow  of  blood  from  the  vicinity  of  the 
wound,  and  prevent  the  venom  attaining  access  to  the  general 
system.  If  the  wound  be  upon  the  arm  or  leg,  as  it  almost  in- 
variably is,  this  is  quickly  effected  by  the  application  of  a  ligature; 
a  rubber  ligature  is  the  most  convenient,  and  best  in  result. 
With  the  flow  of  blood  shut  off  the  next  step  is  to  enlarge  the 
punctures  made  by  the  fangs  in  an  endeavour  to  drain  away  the 
surrounding,  poisoned  blood.  This  treatment  is  of  course 
heroic,  but  should  be  performed  thoroughly  and  without  hesita- 
tion. A  very  sharp  knife  or  a  razor  should  be  used.  Incisions 
slightly  deeper  than  those  made  by  the  fangs  should  be  made 
directly  across  the  primary  wound  and  about  an  inch  in  length. 
If  the  bite  is  from  a  very  large  snake  the  incisions  should  be 
larger.  The  flow  of  blood  from  these  drainage  cuts  should  be 
hastened  by  suction  from  the  mouth,  after  which  the  wounds 
should  be  thoroughly  washed  out  with  a  solution  of  permanganate 
of  potash  (enough  of  the  crystals  in  water  to  produce  a  deep 
wine  colour).  While  these  precautions  are  being  taken,  send 
for  a  good  surgeon.  In  many  instances  of  snake-bite,  surgical 
attendance  is  not  within  calling  distance.  If  such  be  the  situa- 
tion, several  things  must  be  done,  and  carefully. 

The  ligature  should  be  removed,  but  not  until  the  drainage 
cuts  have  been  thoroughly  bled  and  washed  to  their  depths  with 
the  solution  of  permanganate  of  potash,  the  action  of  which 
oxidizes  and  thus  destroys  what  poison  with  which  it  comes  in 
contact.  With  the  ligature  removed  small  doses  of  whiskey 
should  be  taken,  to  stimulate;  alarming  symptoms — fainting 
spells — should  be  met  with  hypodermic  doses  of  strychnine,  which 
is  a  powerful  stimulant.  The  wounds  themselves  should  be 
carefully  covered  with  wet,  antiseptic  dressing,  small  strips  of 
which  should  be  packed  into  the  drainage  incisions  to  keep  them 
open  and  induce  further  drainage  of  poisoned  blood. 

The  important  fact  should  be  understood  that  an  arm  or  leg 
bitten  by  a  poisonous  snake  is  very  susceptible  to  common  blood- 
poisoning  (septicczmia} ,  owing  to  the  deadening  effect  which  the 
venom  produces  upon  the  organisms  in  the  blood  that  combat  germ 

407 


The  Viperine  Snakes 

life.    The  effect  of  such  a  complication  as  blood-poisoning  upon 
a  system  weakened  by  the  primary  ordeal,  may  be  imagined. 

To  conclude  this  subject  the  writer  ventures  to  prepare  a 
list  of  articles  which  should  be  taken  by  those  who  venture  into 
districts  where  poisonous  snakes  may  be  dangerously  numerous. 
A  complete  outfit  to  be  used  in  case  of  accident  may  be  carried 
in  very  small  space,  and  the  articles  needed  would  be: 

Several  good  (very  sharp)  scalpels  or  lancets. 

A  rubber  ligature. 

A  hypodermic  syringe  of  fair  size. 

A  package  of  absorbent  cotton. 

Several  yards  of  aseptic  gauze. 

A  few  ounces  of  permanganate  of  potash  (crystals). 

A  small  quantity  of  some  concentrated  antiseptic  solution, 

and  there  are  many  of  such. 
Several  sealed  tubes  of  anti-venomous  serum. 

This  constitutes  a  fairly  complete  outfit  that  can  be  used  by 
any  man  of  practical  ideas.  The  majority  of  the  articles  men- 
tioned should  be  among  the  effects  of  every  man  that  travels,  in 
case  of  various  every-day  accidents.  At  this  point  it  is  important 
to  describe  the  serum  treatment  of  snake-bite — the  necessary 
article  being  included  in  the  list. 

The  serum  is  obtained  from  animals  that  have  been  im- 
munised by  the  repeated  injections  of  snake  venom — in  fact, 
procured  along  the  same  lines  as  the  anti-toxins  for  various 
diseases.  It  is  hypodermically  injected,  not  in  the  region  of  the 
injury,  but  in  some  portion  of  the  body  where  the  circulation 
will  quickly  take  it  up  and  distribute  it — preferably  under  the 
skin  of  the  abdomen.  Its  action  is  to  fortify  the  system  against 
the  poison  and  experimentation  has  yielded  excellent  results. 
The  serum  is  the  product  of  the  Pasteur  Institute,  in  Lille, 
France,  where  it  is  prepared  under  the  direction  of  D£.  Albert 
Calmette. 

To  one  leaving  civilisation  behind  him,  the  writer  begs  to 
offer  the  following  suggestions:  ist.  See  that  you  have  all  the 
necessary  articles  with  you.  2d.  Do  not  start  out  until  after 
you  have  fully  satisfied  yourself  that  you  are  provided  with 
good  and  well-digested  advice  from  a  surgeon.  3d.  If  you  are 
bitten  send  for  a  doctor  at  once  if  he  be  within  reach,  or  go  to 
him  if  railroad,  boat  or  horse  will  take  you  there.  Above  all, 

408 


The  Viperine  Snakes 

keep  your  senses,  for  your  life   may  depend  upon    your  calm 
reasoning. 

Records  of  Snake  Bites. — Considering  the  number  of  species 
of  poisonous  serpents  inhabiting  the  United  States,  some  of 
which  are  abundant,  some  very  deadly,  the  amount  of  casualties 
resulting  from  the  bites  of  these  reptiles  is  very  small.  Of  these 
the  majority  result  from  the  reckless  handling  of  captive  specimens. 

The  writer  can  recall  two  records  of  speedy  death  following 
the  bite  of  the  large  Southern  Rattlesnake  (the  Diamond-back). 
One  involved  a  young  Englishman,  who  was  quail-hunting  in 
Florida.  About  to  fire  into  a  bevy  of  quail,  he  was  alarmed  by 
the  ominous  whir  of  a  snake.  Involuntarily  stepping  to  the  side, 
he  was  unfortunately  too  slow •  of  movement.  The  guide  was 
horrified  to  observe  the  dart  of  an  olive  head  from  the  brush, 
and  hear  a  cry  of  pain  from  his  companion.  The  leg  was  tightly 
ligatured  and  within  half  an  hour  the  man  was  being  treated  by 
a  skilled  surgeon  from  the  North.  Every  precaution  of  draining 
and  washing  the  injury — situated  in  the  calf  of  the  leg — was 
taken.  Powerful  stimulants  were  administered  by  the  mouth 
and  finally  hypodermically,  but  in  vain.  Death,  attended  with 
great  suffering,  came  within  an  hour  after  the  serpent's  stroke. 
Incidentally  it  may  be  added  that  the  envenomed  head  that 
caused  the  tragedy  was  blown  into  atoms  by  both  charges  from 
the  guide's  shotgun.  The  other  catastrophe  was  very  similar 
and  occurred  in  the  northern  part  of  the  state. 

Several  records  are  at  hand  relating  to  the  bites  of  the  cop- 
perhead snake.  In  each  instance  there  has  been  recovery, 
following  intelligent  medical  attention. 

Concerning  the  bites  of  captive  poisonous  snakes  there  are 
many  records.  The  exploits  of  "Rattlesnake  Jack"*  are  in- 
teresting and  tragic.  Hearing  of  the  recklessness  of  this  man  the 
writer  made  his  acquaintance,  in  New  York,  while  the  performer 
was  filling  an  engagement  at  a  dime  museum.  He  was  surprised 
at  the  audacity  the  man  displayed  in  handling  a  collection  of 
miscellaneous  species  of  rattlesnakes,  and  asked  to  be  permitted 
to  inspect  the  creatures,  thinking  that  their  fangs  had  been  re- 
moved, thus  eliminating  a  certain  proportion  of  the  danger.  He 
found  the  snakes  to  be  in  full  possession  of  their  fangs,  a  fact 
well  demonstrated  by  the  writer  arranging  to  secure  venom  from 

*  John  Sonwell. 

409 


The  Viperine  Snakes 

the  collection.  These  snakes  yielded  over  a  fluid  ounce  of  poison, 
which  was  extracted  by  tying  a  piece  of  cheese-cloth  over  the  top 
of  an  ordinary  glass  and  applying  the  snake's  jaws  to  the  former, 
through  which  it  bit  fiercely,  discharging  two  jets  of  venom  into 
the  glass  itself. 

A  few  weeks  after  the  venom  was  extracted  for  study,  from 
this  collection  of  serpents,  "Rattlesnake  Jack"  was  bitten  by 
one  of  the  larger  specimens — a  Florida  "Diamond-back" — of 
about  six  feet  in  length.  The  injury  was  upon  the  wrist,  from 
one  fang,  and  the  man  pluckily  lanced  it  and  bandaged  the  arm 
tightly.  A  half  hour  later  the  surgical  staff  of  one  of  the  larger 
hospitals  was  at  work  on  the  case.  The  poison  had  circulated 
up  the  arm,  which  swelled  to  a  great  size.  Eleven  drainage  cuts 
were  made  and  kept  open  with  tubing.  The  swelling  continued 
to  extend  over  one  side  of  the  body,  but  persistence  and  skill 
were  successful  and  the  man  went  back  to  his  dangerous  work 
some  months  later.  Several  years  after  the  writer  again  met 
the  performer,  who  was  recklessly  exhibiting  a  writhing  and 
rattling  mass  of  Texas  rattlesnakes.*  After  the  "turn"  he 
jokingly  rolled  up  his  sleeves  to  show  "  the  good  job  done  by  the 
New  York  doctors." 

The  rattlesnake  tamer  humorously  considered  the  writer's 
apprehension  and  laughingly  handed  him  a  souvenir  of  the  place. 
A  few  days  later  came  the  news  that  "Rattlesnake  Jack"  was 
dead.  He  survived  the  bite  of  one  of  the  big  Texas  rattlers  but 
a  few  hours. 

Generally  speaking,  reports  are  few  and  far  between  con- 
cerning fatalities  from  North  American  poisonous  snakes  in 
their  native  state,  although  it  can  be  appreciated  that  the  rattle- 
snakes rank  among  the  most  deadly  of  reptiles.  Compared 
with  the  official  figures,  which  show  the  death  rate  in  India  to 
be  22,000  a  year  from  the  bites  of  snakes,  a  great  and  very  fortu- 
nate discrepancy  is  seen  between  the  New  and  the  Old  World 
records.  A  logical  explanation  of  this  might  be  to  the  effect 
that  in  North  America  a  large  portion  of  the  population  does 
not  evince  a  general  inclination  to  go  bare-legged  through  stretches 
of  jungle  as  does  the  majority  of  the  native  population  of  India. 

Herewith  is  given  a  tabulated  list  of  the  PitVipers — the 
Crotalince — of  North  America,  including  all  the  species  occurring 

*  Crotalus  atrox. 

410 


The  Viperine  Snakes 

north  of  Panama,  and  stating  the  areas  in  which  they  are  found. 
The  Mexican  and  Central  American  species  are  listed  merely  to 
demonstrate  the  variety  of  the  New  World  Pit  Vipers.  They 
do  not  come  within  the  scope  of  this  work  and  are  not  considered 
in  the  succeeding  chapters.  Several  additional  species  of  Lachesis 
inhabit  South  America. 
The  list  follows: 


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CHAPTER  XLIV:     THE  MOCCASINS 

GENUS  ANCISTRODON 
Descriptions  of  the  Species — Their  Habits 

WITH  this  genus  the  student  is  referred  to  a  small  group  of 
Crotaline  snakes.  Characteristic  from  the  large  shields  on  the 
top  of  the  head,  arranged  in  similar  fashion  to  the  head-plates  of 
the  harmless  snakes.  This  character  produces  a  general  resem- 
blance between  the  Moccasins,  and  many  of  the  thick-bodied, 
harmless  serpents  with  coarsely  keeled  scales — such  as  the  Water 
Snakes,  genus  Tropidonotus.  From  such  reptiles,  however,  the 
Moccasins  may  be  readily  distinguished  by  the  pit  between 
the  eye  and  the  nostril,  and  the  elliptical  pupil  of  the  eye  as 
compared  to  the  round  pupil  of  the  innocuous  serpents.  By 
their  head  plates,  the  Moccasins  appeal — among  the  Pit  Vipers 
— to  the  Dwarf  Rattlesnakes,  genus  Sistrurus. 

The  genus  Ancistrodon  is  composed  of  ten  species,  seven  of 
which  inhabit  Central  Asia  generally,  though  some  also  extend 
northward  into  Siberia,  and  others  southward,  through  British 
India,  Ceylon  and  Java.  One  of  the  species  occurs  in  the  Islands 
of  Japan.  The  remaining  three  species  inhabit  the  New  World. 
Two  are  confined  to  North  America  proper,  while  the  third  ranges 
from  Mexico  into  Central  America.  Two  of  the  New  World 
species  are  semi-aquatic  in  habits.  All  are  transversely  banded, 
and  thus  in  colouration  resemble  the  non-venomous  Water  Snakes 
which  are  frequently  confused  with  the  poisonous  reptiles,  and 
destroyed  as  such. 

The  Moccasins  are  highly  venomous  serpents.  By  some 
toxicologists  their  poison  is  considered  to  be  more  deadly  than 
that  of  the  dreaded  rattlesnakes. 

These  serpents  are  viviparous — producing  living  young, 
but  the  broods  are  small  and  seldom  exceed  from  seven  to  twelve. 
The  markings  of  the  young  are  very  vivid;  the  latter  portion  of 
the  tail  is  bright  sulphur-yellow,  which  tint  fades  gradually 

414 


The  Moccasins 

as  the  serpent  approaches  maturity.     From  this  character  young 
snakes  of  the  genus  may  be  immediately  recognised. 

Following  is  a  key  to  the  New  World  species,  relating  to 
the  pattern  of  the  adult  reptile: 

a.  Pattern  vivid: 

Pale  brown;  reddish  brown  cross-bands. 

COPPERHEAD    SNAKE,    "HIGHLAND    MOCCASIN,"//.  COHtortrix. 

b.  Pattern  obscure: 

Olive;  wide,  darker  cross-bands. 

WATER    MOCCASIN,    "  COTTON-MOUTH, "    A.   pisClVOTUS. 

Dark  brown;  darker  cross-bands,  bordered  with  yellow 
spots.  MEXICAN  MOCCASIN,*  A.  lilineatus. 

Detailed  descriptions  of  the  species  follow: 

THE  WATER  MOCCASIN  OR  "COTTON-MOUTH"  SNAKE 
Ancistrodon  piscivorus,  (Lacepede) 

Size  large;  form  very  stout.  The  head  is  very  distinct 
from  the  neck.  Scales  of  the  body  strongly  keeled.  On  the 
under  portion  of  the  tail,  for  about  the  first  two-thirds  of  its 
length,  the  plates  are  in  one  row;  the  remaining  third  is  provided 
with  two  rows  of  plates,  arranged  as  with  the  harmless  snakes. 

Colouration. — Dull  olive  or  brownish  above  and  paler  on  the 
sides,  on  which  are  indistinct,  wide,  blackish  bands;  these  bands 
enclose  areas  of  the  ground-colour  and  dark  blotches. 

The  upper  lip  plates  are  yellow,  above  which  colour  is  a 
dark  band  from  the  eye  to  the  angle  of  the  mouth  and  above 
this  a  pale  streak.  The  top  of  the  head  is  very  dark,  usually 
black.  The  chin  and  lower  lips  are  yellow  with  three  dark  bars 
on  the  lip  plates,  on  each  side  of  the  mouth. 

Abdomen  yellow,  blotched  with  dark  brown  or  black — 
more  so  toward  the  tail,  the  under  portion  of  which  is  black. 

Variations  of  colour. — Young  specimens  are  brilliantly 
coloured.  They  are  usually  of  a  pale  reddish-brown,  with  bands 
of  rich,  dark  brown.  All  of  the  bands  and  markings  are  narrowly 
edged  with  white,  making  the  pattern  vivid  and  striking. 

Half-grown  specimens  are  greenish,  or  chestnut  brown, 
with  very  distinct  bars,  while  very  old  specimens  are  generally 

*  Though  included  in  the  key,  this  species  is  not  treated  in  the 
descriptive  list.  It  occurs  too  far  south  to  come  within  the  scope  of  this 
work. 

415 


The  Moccasins 

of  a  uniform,  dull  olive  brown  or  black,  with  little  or  no  trace 
of  the  markings. 

The  very  young  specimens  of  this  species  somewhat  resemble 
the  young  of  the  Copperhead  Snake,  but  may  generally  be  recog- 
nised by  the  situations  in  which  they  are  found — the  immediate 
vicinity  of  water. 

In  general  conformation,  pattern  and  actions,  the  Water 
Moccasin  tallies  with  the  popular  idea  of  a  poisonous  snake.  The 
body  is  very  stout  in  proportion  to  the  length,  while  the  head  is 
chunky  and  distinct  from  the  neck.  The  large  shields  project 
slightly  over  the  top  of  the  eyes,  imparting  a  sinister,  scowling 
aspect;  moreover,  the  tail  tapers  very  abruptly  from  the  body. 

Dimensions. — The  Water  Moccasin  is  one  of  the  largest  of 
the  poisonous  serpents  inhabiting  the  United  States.  It  attains 
a  length  of  five  feet.  Herewith  are  the  measurements  of  a  spec- 
imen of  average  size  captured  in  Hampton  County,  South  Caro- 
lina: 

Total  Length 4  feet. 

Length  of  Tail 7}  inches. 

Diameter  of  Body 2f      " 

WidthofHead if      " 

Length  of  Head 2j 

The  largest  specimen  examined  by  the  writer  measured 
58^  inches  in  length,  and  9!  inches  in  circumference.  It  was 
captured  at  Lake  Kerr,  Marion  County,  Florida. 

Distribution. — In  the  Atlantic  Coast  region,  the  Moccasin 
occurs  from  North  Carolina,  in  the  vicinity  of  the  Neuse  River, 
southward  throughout  Florida  ;  thence  it  extends  westward 
into  eastern  Texas.  Its  range  northward  is  up  the  valley  of  the 
Mississippi  into  southern  Illinois  and  Indiana.  In  those  states 
bordering  the  Mississippi  River  proper  and  its  lower  tributaries, 
this  snake  is  of  general  occurrence,  although  it  is  found  in  greatest 
numbers  along  swampy  areas  of  the  Atlantic  seaboard"  and  the 
Gulf  of  Mexico. 

Habits  of  ibe  Waier  Moccasin 

In  its  native  wilds  the  Water  Moccasin  is  an  irritable  and 
pugnacious  reptile.  After  being  a  short  time  in  captivity  it 
becomes  tame,  good-natured  and  lazy.  Moreover  it  is  very 

416 


THE  REPTILE  BOOK 


PLATE  CXIX 


2  3 

HEADS  OF  SERPENTS. 

Skull  of  a  harmless  snake.     The  numerous  teeth  on  the  upper  jaw  are  solid  and  rigid. 

Head    of  a  rattlesnake,  showing  the  sheath  that  covers  the  fangs  when  they  are  not  in  use.     The  double  fangs  on  one  side  indicate  the 
early  shedding  of  one  of  these  venom-conducting  teeth.     Observe  the  opening  at  the  tip  of  each  fang;  it  is  from  this  the  poison  is  ejected, 
teleton  head  of  a  pit  viper.     The  developing  fangs  rr 


3     Sk 


may  be  seen  behind  the  pair  in  use.     A  fully  grown  pair  is  ready  to  replace  the 


functional  fangs.     From-.this  illustration  it  will  be  seen  a  poisonous  snake  cannot  be  rendered  permanently  harmless  by  extracting  its  fangs. 


THE  REPTILE  BOOK 


PLATE  CXX 


HEAD  OF  RATTLESNAKE 

When  the  jaws  are  closed  the  fangs  fold  back  against  the  roof  of  the  mouth.  They 
are  exactly  like  the  hypodermic  needle — having  an  elongated  orifice  at  their  tip  for 
the  ejection  of  venom.  The  opening  near  the  front  of  the  lower  jaw  shows  the  location 
of  the  tongue-sheath.  Thus  it  should  be  understood  that  the  forked  tongue  is  not  a 
sting  or  in  any  way  connected  with  the  poison  apparatus 


SKULL  OF  A  PIT  VIPER,  SHOWING  DEVELOPING  FANGS 

The  illustration  shows  how  fangs  are  constantly  developing  to  take  the  place  of  the  functional  pair 


The  Moccasins 

hardy,  thriving  for  years  in  a  captive  state  and  breeding  regularly 
if  maintained  under  the  proper  conditions. 

In  the  "lowgrounds"  along  the  Savannah  River  the  writer 
has  found  these  serpents  to  be  very  common.  They  do  not 
frequent  the  main  body  of  water  in  any  numbers,  but  are  abun- 
dant in  the  adjoining  swamps  into  which  the  river  "backs  up" 
during  the  heavy  rains.  In  these  swamps,  as  the  river  recedes, 
the  water  is  left  in  numerous  pools,  entrapping  large  numbers 
of  fish.  Thus  are  the  "Cotton-mouths"  found,  and  in  com- 
pany with  various  species  of  harmless  Water  Snakes.  They 
are  commonly  observed  on  the  branches  of  bushes  and  trees 
that  overhang  the  water,  and  if  escape  from  danger  be  possible 
they  quickly  drop  into  the  water,  where  they  swim  beneath  the 
surface  for  some  distance  to  emerge  in  some  sheltered  situation — 
among  reeds  or  aquatic  growth. 

The  writer  remembers  a  hunt  for  these  creatures  in  the 
Black  Swamp,  located  in  Hampton  County,  South  Carolina. 
The  swamp  was  circular,  about  five  miles  in  circumference,  and 
through  it  ran  a  curving  stream  of  varying  widths,  spreading 
widely  after  the  rains  and  filling  numerous  pools  and  bayous. 
The  swamp  contained  a  dense  mass  of  cane-growth.  In  some 
parts  the  cane  attained  a  height  of  eight  feet. 

On  entering  the  swamp  we  followed  the  stream.  Con- 
ditions were  found  to  be  in  favour  of  snake-hunting.  The  stream 
was  very  low,  owing  to  a  drought,  and  in  stretches  here  and  there 
was  little  more  than  a  series  of  pools,  connected  by  trickling 
courses  of  water.  The  banks  of  these  pools  were  sandy  and 
progress  into  the  swamp  was  comparatively  easy  in  consequence. 
Not  long  after  starting  into  the  growth,  we  spied  the  first  Moc- 
casin. It  was  a  large  specimen,  sunning  on  a  log  that  projected 
from  the  water.  This  snake  was  stalked  cautiously,  and  a  noose, 
on  the  end  of  a  very  slim  pole,  was  passed  over  its  neck  before 
it  took  alarm.  The  reptile  was  pulled  quickly  upon  firm  ground 
where  its  head  was  pinned  down  with  a  stick,  when  it  was  grasped 
by  the  neck  and  placed  in  a  bag.  In  stepping  over  a  fallen  tree, 
the  guide  had  a  narrow  escape.  Coiled  partially  under  the  trunk 
was  another  Moccasin,  which,  suddenly  surprised,  drew  back  its 
head,  opened  its  mouth  and  prepared  to  strike,  but  before  it 
could  do  so  the  man  leaped  to  safety. 

This  habit  of  the  Moccasin,  when  surprised,  of  opening  its 

417 


The  Moccasins 

mouth,  with  head  drawn,  and  disclosing  the  white  mouth-parts, 
has  been  responsible  for  the  name  of  "cotton-mouth"  snake,  used 
in  many  parts  of  the  South.  After  assuming  this  attitude,  the 
snake  shakes  its  tail  vigorously,  not  with  the  rapid  tremble  of 
the  rattlesnake,  but  in  a  slower,  beating  fashion,  with  much 
the  same  rhythm  as  the  tapping  of  a  woodpecker  against  a  tree. 

Several  dozen  Moccasins  were  observed  during  the  course 
of  the  morning.  It  was  noted  that  when  these  snakes  were 
suddenly  startled  by  our  coming  upon  them  after  rounding  thickets 
of  cane  or  the  like,  they  drew  back  their  heads,  opened  their  mouths, 
and  glared  in  hostile  fashion.  Occasionally  a  snake  would  strike 
viciously,  but  after  the  first  start  of  surprise,  all  endeavoured 
to  glide  away  and  escape.  With  one  accord  the  snakes  that 
observed  us  when  some  little  distance  away,  made  for  the 
water  and  escaped,  except  for  an  occasional  specimen  that  un- 
wisely poked  its  head  from  the  muddy  water  to  see  if  danger 
was  past.  As  they  were  noosed  and  grasped  by  the  neck,  they 
behaved  like  all  poisonous  snakes,  in  viciously  resenting  the 
familiarity. 

Upon  nearing  the  centre  of  this  swamp,  we  found  many 
pools  that  had  dried.  These  contained  large  quantities  of  dead 
and  shrivelled  fish,  while  in  the  pools  left  by  the  uneven  drying 
of  the  stream,  living  fish  appeared  to  be  very  rare.  This  scarcity 
of  food  seemingly  created  an  uneasiness  among  the  harmless  Water 
Snakes  of  the  swamp  which  were  found  restlessly  prowling.  In- 
deed, many  of  them  had  left  the  swamp,  and  had  wandered  down 
the  sandy  roads  along  its  borders.  The  appearance  of  several 
of  these  showy  snakes  on  the  nearby  roads  had  primarily  led 
the  writer  to  believe  that  the  swamp  itself  contained  many,  hence 
the  exploration. 

The  drying  up  of  the  water  appeared  in  no  way  to  annoy  the 
Moccasins.  Some  of  them  were  found  contentedly  ^coiled  on 
the  borders  of  pools  scarcely  more  than  a  yard  in  diameter. 
These  latter  snakes,  finding  it  impossible  to  seek  shelter  in  the 
water,  glided  among  the  roots  of  trees  or  among  the  canes.  It 
was  a  specimen  captured  under  such  conditions  that  revealed, 
possibly,  the  reason  for  the  apparent  contentment  of  the  Moc- 
casins during  the  lack  of  fish,  for  as  we  caught  him  he  disgorged 
two  harmless  Water  Snakes,  which  had  been  consumed  but  a 
short  time.  It  should  be  here  understood  that  the  Moccasin, 

418 


THE  REPTILE  BOOK 

F  " : 


PLATE  CXXI 


COPPERHEAD  SNAKE,  Ancislrodon  contorlrix— Common  Phase 
A  very  dangerous  reptile  of  eastern  North  America.     It  grows  to  a  length  of  three  and  a  half  feet 


COPPERHEAD  SNAKE,  Ancislrodon  contortrix— Texas  Phase 

In  the  extreme  southern  portion  of  the  United  States,  the  Copperhead  Snake  ranges  as  far  westward  as  the  Rio  Grande  River 
The  Western  phase  has  fewer  and  much  wider  bands,  while  the  adult  has  a  pale  greenish  tail 


THE  REPTILE  BOOK 


PLATE  CXXII 


HEADS  OF  COPPERHEAD  SNAKE  AND  WATER  MOCCASIN.     From  top  and  side 


WATER  MOCCASIN;  "COTTON-MOUTH  "  SNAKE,  Ancistrodon  piscivorus 

Abounds  in  the  Southern  swamps  and  lagoons.     Its  hostile  looks  are  in  perfect  keeping  with  a  constantly  vicious  disposition 
The  species  is  very  poisonous.    It  feeds  upon  birds,  small  mammals  and  frogs 


The  Moccasins 

unlike  the  innocuous  Water  Snakes,  does  not  confine  its  diet  to 
cold-blooded  prey,  but  feeds  also  upon  birds  and  small  mammals. 

In  captivity  there  are  few  or  no  reptiles  more  hardy  than  the 
Moccasin.  The  writer  has  specimens  which  have  been  captive 
for  more  than  eleven  years,  and  promise  to  flourish  for  an  indefi- 
nite time.  Some  of  these  snakes  were  captive  born  and  have 
grown  to  great  size,  owing  to  a  regular  supply  of  food  and  the 
absence  of  the  hibernating  period,  which  tends  to  limit  a  reptile's 
growth.  These  specimens  never  show  the  least  intimations  of 
hostility,  and  in  fact  the  general  demeanour  of  this  species  of 
snake  when  removed  from  a  wild  state  is  a  lazy  indifference 
to  everything  but  food.  They  live  well  with  no  other  water 
than  contained  in  a  small  drinking  dish,  and  usually  congregate 
in  social  clusters  with  heads  protruding  in  all  directions  from 
the  mass  of  tangled  bodies.  With  other  snakes  of  equal,  or 
even  larger,  size  they  are  generally  quarrelsome.  Smaller  snakes 
of  other  species  are  usually  eaten,  while  many  young  Moccasins 
may  be  in  the  cage  with  the  adults  and  escape  all  molesta- 
tion. The  pugnacious  attitude  of  the  Moccasin  toward  other 
snakes  was  well  illustrated  by  the  escape  from  a  cage  in  the  writer's 
collection  of  a  specimen  of  moderate  size.  This  reptile  prowled 
about  the  "snake  room"  until,  prompted  by  a  spirit  of  curiosity 
or  seeking  a  place  to  hide,  it  entered  the  ventilating  apparatus 
and  into  the  cage  of  a  large  South  American  Anaconda.  There 
it  battled  with  the  big  constrictor,  biting  him  in  a  dozen  places. 
The  catastrophe  occurred  during  the  night.  Morning  revealed 
the  presence  of  the  moccasin,  quietly  coiled  in  the  quarters  of 
the  anaconda,  and  the  twelve-foot  serpent  lay  contorted  and 
dead  after  its  struggles  against  the  action  of  the  formidable  virus 
of  its  diminutive  adversary,  a  snake  of  less  than  four  feet. 

Captive  Moccasins  feed  upon  small  rabbits,  rats,  birds, 
fishes  and  frogs.  Rabbits  and  large  rats  seem  to  greatly  excite 
these  snakes.  They  strike  many  times,  and  wildly,  as  if  in  fear 
of  being  attacked  by  the  animals.  With  smaller  creatures 
they  do  not  strike,  and  then  await  the  death  of  the  animal  from 
the  poison,  as  is  characteristic  with  most  Crotaline  snakes  in 
captivity,  but  once  seizing  the  animal  they  retain  their  hold, 
with  fangs  deeply  imbedded,  until  its  struggles  have  ceased, 
when  swallowing  commences.  It  is  the  opinion  of  the  writer 
that  all  of  the  poisonous  snakes  feed  in  this  manner  when  wild, 

419 


The  Moccasins 

unless  tie  prey  be  very  large  and  powerful,  and  that  the  striking 
of  a  rattlesnake  and  the  immediate  release  of  the  bitten  creature 
is  merely  a  symptom  of  nervousness  exhibited  by  many  of  the 
poisonous  snakes  which  are  so  high-strung,  that  they  are  on  the 
constant  qui  vive  in  captivity.  The  Moccasin,  possessed  of  a 
more  stolid  disposition  shows  its  natural  manners  of  feeding 
even  when  under  artificial  conditions. 

If  a  man  is  reckless  enough  to  trust  a  snake  possessing 
venomous  fangs,  he  may  handle  one  of  these  serpents  with  the 
utmost  good-nature  on  the  part  of  the  reptile.  Such  familiarity 
with  the  average  rattlesnake  would  be  immediately  resented  and 
with  disastrous  results. 

The  Moccasin  produces  small  broods  of  living  young,  the 
number  varying  from  seven  to  twelve.  Among  several  spec- 
imens under  observation,  two  produced  broods  of  eight  young, 
each;  three  gave  birth  to  broods  of  twelve  young,  each,  and 
one  to  a  litter  of  three.  A  very  small  female  gave  birth  to  one 
youngster,  which  fed  voraciously  and  within  two  years  was  so 
much  larger  than  its  mother  that  conditions  of  parent  and  off- 
spring appeared  to  be  reversed. 

THE  COPPERHEAD  SNAKE  OR  HIGHLAND  MOCCASIN; 
PILOT  SNAKE;   RATTLESNAKE  PILOT 

AND    CHUNKHEAD 
Ancistrodon  coniortrix,  (Linn.) 

Moderate  in  size  and  proportionately  more  slender  than 
the  preceding  species.  The  scales  are  strongly  keeled,  and  the 
majority  of  the  plates  on  the  underside  of  the  tail  are  in  a  single 
row. 

Colouration. — Above  hazel  brown,  with  large  cross-bands 
of  rich,  chestnut  brown.  These  bands  are  narrow  on  She  back, 
and  very  broad  on  the  sides,  and  when  looked  at  from  above 
resemble  the  outlines  of  an  hour  glass.  Beneath,  the  colour  is 
pinkish-white,  with  a  row  of  large  dark  spots  on  each  side  of  the 
abdomen. 

From  the  sides,  the  majority  of  the  bands  appear  as  blunt 
Y's  with  the  stems  directed  upward.  On  most  specimens  several 
of  the  bands  are  broken  on  the  back,  forming  inverted  V-  or 
Y-shaped  blotches  on  the  sides.  All  of  the  bands  are  darker  at 

420 


The  Moccasins 

their  borders,  and  with  some  specimens  they  enclose  light  patches 
of  colour  that  match  the  general  hue  of  the  body. 

Head  Markings. — The  head  is  usually  of  a  paler  tint  than  the 
body — often  evincing  a  coppery  tinge — hence  the  popular  name. 
The  upper  lips  are  of  a  lighter  shade  than  the  top  of  the  head,  the 
line  of  intersection  between  the  two  hues  beginning  behind  the 
eye  and  extending  to  the  angle  of  the  mouth. 

Variations  of  Colour. — The  ground-colour  varies  into  dif- 
ferent shades  of  brown  and  gray,  but  the  pattern  remains 
strong  and  constant,  although  some  specimens  occurring  inland 
are  dark  with  an  obscure  pattern.  The  writer  has  examined 
several  specimens  of  this  colour  phase  from  Ohio.  They  were 
of  a  rich,  dark  brown,  with  little  trace  of  the  bands. 

Specimens  from  Texas  are  very  striking  in  colouration. 
With  such  reptiles  the  bands  are  fewer  in  number,  very  wide  and 
distinctly  reddish.  The  pattern  is  further  intensified  by  a  narrow, 
whitish  border  on  most  of  the  bands.  With  such  specimens,  the 
tip  of  the  tail  is  greenish-yellow,  demonstrating  that  these  Texas 
specimens  exhibit  a  peculiar  tendency  to  retain  a  trace  of  the 
brilliant  yellow  tail  of  all  the  New  World  snakes  of  this  genus, 
even  to  maturity,  which  is  a  character  in  direct  variance  with 
specimens  from  the  Eastern  States. 

When  closely  examined  the  majority  of  specimens  will  be 
seen  to  have  the  sides  thickly  powdered  with  minute,  black  dots. 

The  colour  of  the  tongue  of  this  species  is  rather  at  variance 
with  snakes  in  general.  This  organ  is  usually  red  at  the  base, 
with  whitish  forked  portion. 

Dimensions. — The  Copperhead  is  not  a  large  serpent.  After 
examining  several  hundred  specimens  the  writer  has  failed 
to  find  a  single  individual  which  attained  a  length  of  four  feet. 
The  largest  specimen  he  has  examined  was  three  feet,  nine  inches 
in  length.  It  was  captured  in  Georgia,  near  the  coast.  This 
length  is  considerably  above  the  average  of  large  specimens. 
The  following  detailed  measurements  relate  to  what  might  be 
termed  a  large  example  of  the  species: 

Total  Length 33     inches. 

Length  of  Tail 4$ 

Diameter  of  Body 1 1       " 

Width  of  Head I 

Length  of  Head. if 

421 


The  Moccasins 

Distribution. — The  eastern  and  central  portions  of  the  United 
States  generally,  from  Massachusetts  (inclusive)  to  the  northern 
portions  of  Florida;  westward  to  Illinois,  and  in  the  extreme 
South  to  the  Rio  Grande  in  Texas. 

Habits  of  the  Copperhead  Snake 

While  alleged  to  possess  a  most  vicious  disposition,  the 
Copperhead  Snake  by  no  means  displays  more  hostility  than  the 
other  poisonous  snakes.  Like  the  Moccasin,  it  becomes  very 
tame  in  captivity,  where  it  thrives  and  breeds,  showing  more 
vivacity  than  the  Southern  snake,  but  a  generally  good-natured 
demeanour  toward  man. 

Often  in  transferring  these  snakes  from  one  cage  to  another, 
the  writer  has  noted  their  even  temper.  After  being  a  few  days 
captive,  they  seldom  "strike"  and  soon  begin  feeding  regularly, 
a  sign  among  reptiles  generally  that  temper  and  health  are  good. 

In  the  Northern  States  the  Copperhead  frequents  rocky 
places,  usually  in  the  vicinity  of  moderately  thick  timber,  marshy 
glades  or  hollows.  Here  these  snakes  find  abundance  of  food 
in  the  shape  of  birds,  small  rodents  and  frogs.  They  also  feed 
upon  other  snakes.  Stone  quarries  that  have  been  the  scene 
of  much  blasting  and  final  desertion,  are  often  selected  as  the 
abodes  of  numbers  of  these  reptiles,  which  hibernate  in  the  deep 
clefts  of  the  rocks.  In  the  South,  judging  from  the  writer's 
experience,  the  Copperhead  does  not  frequent  the  swamps  and 
lowgrounds  as  does  the  timber  rattlesnake  which  is  distributed 
over  much  the  same  areas  as  the  species  in  question  and  in  the 
North  occurs  in  similar  rocky  situations  with  the  latter.  It  seeks 
higher  and  drier  ground.  In  the  coast  regions  of  Georgia  and  North 
Carolina  none  of  these  snakes  was  taken  in  the  immediate 
neighbourhood  of  the  many  swamps  and  stretches  of  lowground. 
However,  they  were  moderately  common  on  the  nefghbouring 
plantations,  where  the  ground  was  suitable  for  planting. 

When  disturbed  in  its  native  haunts  this  snake  will  generally 
make  an  effort  to  glide  quietly  away  if  escape  is  open.  If  caught 
at  close  quarters,  andflight  be  impossible,  it  defends  itself  vigorously, 
throwing  the  body  into  a  series  of  irregular  loops  and  striking 
in  the  direction  of  the  enemy.  At  such  times  a  rapid,  vibratory 
movement  is  communicated  to  the  tail,  which  produces  a  distinct, 
buzzing  sound,  if  the  serpent  be  among  dry  leaves.  Throughout 

422 


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The  Moccasins 

all  these  manoeuvres  the  snake  is  usually  backing  away  in  an  en- 
deavour to  make  a  dash  for  safety, by  gliding  into  a  nearby  friendly 
thicket  or  among  the  rocks.  Like  the  moccasin,  if  held  down 
with  a  stick  in  an  endeavour  to  effect  its  capture,  it  fights  furiously 
thrashing  the  body  from  side  to  side  in  an  effort  to  twist  itself 
free  and  often  in  its  excitement  unconsciously  throwing  a  portion 
of  its  body  against  the  widely  distended  jaws  with  their  sharp 
fangs,  which  immediately  close,  inflicting  a  wound  upon  itself, 
which  is  never  mortal,  as  the  venomous  snakes  are  immune  to 
their  own  and  to  each  other's  poison. 

The  writer  recalls  an  experience  with  a  large  Copperhead 
in  the  woods  of  Pennsylvania.  Stopping  to  rest  he  seated  him- 
self on  a  large  rock,  partially  covered  about  its  base  with  a  tangled 
mass  of  vines.  While  carelessly  swinging  a  foot  against  the  vines 
he  was  startled  by  a  sudden  buzz  among  the  dead  leaves,  and 
glancing  at  the  base  of  the  rock  discovered  a  large  Copperhead, 
with  head  drawn  back  and  tail  vibrating,  backing  away  by  alter- 
nately looping  and  straightening  its  body.  The  snake  could  easily 
have  struck  the  writer's  shoes — although  there  is  doubt  whether 
the  fangs  would  have  pierced  the  leather.  Nevertheless  the 
watcher  remained  quite  motionless.  Backing  away  and  around 
the  rock  the  snake  suddenly  turned  and  glided  for  a  heavy  mass 
of  undergrowth,  but  it  was  destined  to  accompany  several  harm- 
less snakes  collected  during  the  day.  Here  was  an  instance  of 
a  venomous  snake,  in  an  admirable  position  to  employ  its  fangs, 
giving  warning  of  its  presence  by  the  sound  of  the  quivering 
tail,  then  retreating  from  the  subject  of  its  alarm  to  seek  refuge 
in  the  thicket  without  dealing  a  blow. 

The  venom  of  the  Copperhead  has  been  declared  by  reputable 
authorities  to  be  more  virulent  than  that  of  the  moccasin.  Small 
animals  die  more  quickly  after  receiving  a  stab  from  the  fangs 
of  one  of  these  snakes  than  when  bitten  by  a  moccasin  of  con- 
siderably larger  size.  The  fangs  are  rather  small  in  proportion 
to  the  size  of  the  snake  as  compared  with  the  majority  of  the 
Crotaline  serpents,  especially  those  of  the  warmer  latitudes. 
This  characteristic  also  applies  to  the  moccasin.  The  fangs  of 
the  various  rattlesnakes  are  considerably  longer  in  proportion  to 
the  general  dimensions  of  those  reptiles  than  with  the  two  species 
mentioned.  By  this  explanation  it  is  not  intended  to  convey 
the  impression  that  the  Copperhead  is  not  a  reptile  formidable 

423 


The  Moccasins 

to  man.  It  is  indeed  a  dangerously  poisonous  snake,  and  well 
able  to  cause  death  to  man  if  delivering  a  bite  well  placed  and 
followed  by  other  than  the  most  energetic  and  competent 
treatment. 

A  captive  Copperhead  is  an  interesting  reptile  and  a  satisfac- 
tory one,  as  it  thrives  well  under  sympathetic  care.  The  feeding 
habits  are  rather  eccentric  and  seemingly  relate  to  the  possibility 
of  finding  certain  kinds  of  food  during  different  phases  of  the 
season  when  the  reptile  is  in  a  wild  state.  During  the  spring 
and  fall,  it  is  very  fond  of  frogs,  grasping  them  with  lightning- 
like  rapidity  and  retaining  the  hold  until  the  prey  is  dead.  The 
venom  acts  quickly  upon  the  cold-blooded  batrachian.  During 
the  later  spring,  these  snakes  prefer  young  birds,  showing  in 
fact  such  a  decided  preference  to  this  food  that  some  snakes 
will  fast  unless  provided  with  the  feathered  prey.  During  the 
summer  months  captive  specimens  well  eat  small  rodents,  such 
as  mice  and  rats,  or  chipmunks.  This  preference  though  not 
invariable  is  quite  general  as  noted  in  caring  for  many  of  these 
snakes.  After  several  years  in  captivity  these  reptiles  assume 
a  less  particular  appetite  and  live  contentedly  upon  a  diet  of 
mice  and  frogs. 

The  number  of  young  produced  by  this  viviparous  snake, 
is  small.  From  a  number  of  observations  it  appears  to  vary 
from  six  to  nine.  A  specimen  giving  birth  to  the  latter  number 
measured  two  and  a  half  feet  in  length;  the  young  snakes  were 
ten  inches  long.  When  born,  the  young  snakes  have  brilliant, 
sulphur-yellow  tails.  Quite  frequently,  when  the  food  is  in- 
troduced into  a  cage  containing  small  Copperheads,  the  tails 
of  the  little  snakes  wriggle  and  twist  in  a  manner  that  instantly 
suggests  their  remarkable  similarity  to  yellow  grubs  or  maggots. 
When  among  dried  leaves  the  colours  of  the  young  snakes  blend 
so  perfectly  with  their  surroundings  that  it  is  almost  impossible, 
when  a  little  distance  away,  to  discover  them  with  the  exception 
of  the  bright  yellow  tail.  Well  might  the  unsuspecting  wood- 
frog  as  it  hops  about  in  search  of  insect  food  be  attracted  to  this 
conspicuous  object  and  toward  the  jaws  of  the  ever-ready  snake. 
It  is  very  probable  that  the  young  Copperhead  employs  the  yel- 
low tail  to  attract  its  prey,  as  does  the  big  snapping  turtle,  al- 
ready described,  lure  the  fish  within  its  jaws  by  the  grub-like 
filament  of  flesh.  Certain  it  is  that  the  young  snakes  wriggle 

424 


The  Moccasins 

their  tails  in  what,  to  the  unsuspecting  frog,  might  be  termed 
an  alluring  manner. 

During  the  second  year  the  yellow  of  the  tail  fades  quickly, 
and  disappears  altogether  within  the  third  year,  except  in  the 
Texas  form,  which  retains  a  greenish-yellow  tint  through  life.* 

Herewith  are  given  several  records  of  the  birth  of  young 
Copperheads,  from  female  specimens  captured  but  a  few  weeks 
before  the  young  were  born : 

Aug.  25.    Brood  of  6.        Female  from  Fort  Lee,  N.  J. 

Sept.    6.       "      '    5.  "      Fort  Lee,  N.J. 

A.  Fort  Lee,  N.  J. 

o.  "      Greenwood  Lake,  N.  J. 

7.  "      North  Carolina. 

9.  Fort  Lee,  N.  J. 

9.  Delaware  Water  Gap,  Pa. 

*  This  character  of  the  Texas  specimens,  was  first  pointed  out  to  me 
by  Dr.  Leonhard  Stejneger,  Curator  of  Reptiles  in  the  United  States 
National  Museum.  An  examination  of  a  large  series  of  specimens  shows 
this  to  be  quite  constant. 


10. 
IO. 
I  I. 


425 


CHAPTER   XLV:     THE    RATTLESNAKES 

Poisonous  Snakes  of  Two  Genera — SISTRURUS  and  CROTALUS 
— That  are  Unique  Among  Serpents  in  the  Possession  of  the 
Rattle 

FROM  the  popular  point  of  view  the  Rattlesnakes  are  the 
most  interesting  of  the  American  serpents.  From  an  actual 
standpoint,  they  are  the  most  important  of  all  the  reptiles  in- 
habiting the  United  States,  for  among  them  we  find  by  far  the 
greater  number  of  our  poisonous  snakes,  and  species  that  are 
next  to  none  in  point  of  deadliness,  of  the  dangerous  family  of 
Vipers — the  thick-bodied  poisonous  serpents — that  inhabit  most 
of  the  warmer  portions  of  the  globe.  Thus  the  Rattlesnakes 
are  well  worthy  of  detailed  consideration. 

Aside  from  their  deadliness,  the  Rattlesnakes  possess  a 
strange  fascination  that  attracts  scientist  and  novice  alike.  Their 
rich,  velvety  colours,  sinster  form  and  sullen  demeanour,  com- 
bined with  the  ominous,  warning  sound  of  the  rattle,  are  phases 
of  character  that  produce  a  lasting  impression  upon  the  observer. 
The  writer  has  studied  living  examples  of  many  species  of  deadly 
snakes — the  South  American  bushmaster  and  the  fer-de-lance, 
the  African  puff  adder  and  the  berg  adder,  and  such  East  Indian 
species  as  the  king  cobra,  the  spectacled  cobra  and  Russell's 
viper,  and  although  there  is  indelibly  stamped  upon  his  mind  the 
bloated  body,  the  glassy  stare  and  the  rhythmic  hissing  of  the 
berg  adder,  the  rearing,  uncanny  pose  of  an  infuriated  cobra, 
there  is  one  image  vivid  above  all — the  Rattlesnake.*  Thrown 
into  a  gracefully  symmetrical  coil,  the  body  inflated,  the  neck 
arched  in  an  oblique  bow  in  support  of  the  heart-shaped  head, 
the  slowly  waving  tongue  with  spread  and  tremulous  tips,  and 
above  all,  the  incessant,  monotonous  whir  of  the  rattle.  One 
stroke — a  flash — of  that  flat  head  would  inject  a  virus  bringing 
speedy  death.  Yet  the  attitude  of  the  snake  is  to  be  admired. 
It  denotes  a  creature  attacked  by  a  powerful  enemy  and  bravely 
defending  its  life.  The  snake  never  advances,  nor  makes  actually 

426 


THE  REPTILE  BOOK 


PLATE  CXXVI 


PIGMY  RATTLESNAKE,  Sistrwus  miliarius 

The  bite  of  this  tiny  rattlesnake  is  seldom  fatal  to  man.     While  the  little  creature  vigorously  sounds  its  miniature  rattle,  the  appendage 
is  so  small  it  can  not  be  heard  more  than  a  few  feet  away.     Common  in  South  Carolina,  Georgia,  and  Florida 


.  V     -  •'  MASSASAUGA,  Sistrurns  catenatus 

Grows  large  enough  to  be  considered  very  dangerous  to  man,  but  is  rapidly  becoming  exterminated  over  the  greater  portion  of  its  range 


The  Rattlesnakes 

hostile  movements.  If  the  enemy  retreats  but  a  few  steps  the 
reptile  endeavours  to  glide  for  cover,  but  at  close  quarters  the 
attitude  spells  one  word — Beware!  As  the  argument  is  backed 
by  a  pair  of  deadly  fangs,  this  serpent  must  be  considered,  so  it 
seems,  as  man's  very  dangerous  enemy,  and  the  destruction  has 
long  since  begun.  Of  the  tens  of  thousands  of  these  reptiles 
slaughtered,  there  may  be  said  to  be  barely  one  accident  to  man 
in  the  killing  of  ten  thousand  Rattlesnakes.  To  illustrate  this, 
it  might  be  explained  that  a  death  from  the  bite  of  a  Rattlesnake 
in  the  United  States  is  so  rare  a  thing  the  occurrence  appears  as 
a  first  page  paragraph  in  nearly  every  newspaper  of  the  Union. 

The  scarcity  of  accidents  from  these  reptiles,  which  inhabit 
all  portions  of  the  United  States,  may  be  accounted  for  by  the 
fact  that  Rattlesnakes  inhabit  ground  not  generally  serviceable 
to  man.  Moreover,  when  these  snakes  are  approached,  the 
rattle  usually  gives  ample  warning  of  their  presence.  On  several 
occasions,  as  the  writer  has  been  hunting  for  Rattlesnakes,  he 
has  heard  the  rattle  from  among  tumbled  masses  of  rocks — 
the  snake  thus  disclosing  its  presence  when  it  might  easily  have 
remained  concealed. 

Although  those  species  of  Rattlesnakes  that  inhabit  the 
open  prairies  and  fertile  farming  country  of  the  Central  and  West- 
ern States  have  decreased  in  number  almost  to  the  point  of  ex- 
tinction, in  many  large  areas  under  cultivation,  other  species 
that  have  for  a  time  suifered  to  a  similar  extent  have  of  late  years 
become  abundant,  owing  to  conditions  offering  almost  complete 
protection.  Large  mountain  areas  in  our  Eastern  States  have  been 
bought  up  as  private  game  preserves.  The  owners  of  such  estates 
have  a  natural  desire  to  preserve  their  forests  and  exclude  tres- 
passers from  their  lands,  that  the  deer  and  pheasants  may  thrive. 
The  cutting  of  timber  ceases;  the  old  wood  trails  disappear  in  a 
tangle  of  undergrowth — and  the  wandering  of  numerous  pot- 
hunters, who  kill  every  creature  that  crosses  their  path,  stops 
altogether  in  these  domains.  Some  of  the  most  charming  country 
in. the  East  has  thus  been  effectually  preserved.  It  is  quite 
refreshing  to  the  nature-lover  to  visit  one  of  these  great  tracts 
and  observe  the  undisturbed  stretches  of  fine  forests  in  regions 
that  are  being  devasted  by  the  sawmill.  In  these  great,  fenced- 
in  areas,  conditions  have  returned,  from  the  standing  of  the 
Rattlesnakes,  to  what  they  were  when  this  country  was  in  its 

427 


The  Rattlesnakes 

infancy.  The  ledges,  on  which  the  snakes  bask  and  breed,  are 
no  longer  molested  and  the  survivors  of  the  race  rapidly  multiply. 
The  writer  was  escorted  over  a  superb  stretch  of  mountain  and 
forest  in  New  York  State  that  well  illustrated  such  conditions. 
Fifty  snakes  were  taken  in  ten  days  time  from  a  ledge  on  this 
estate.  The  gentleman  who  made  the  capture  took  all  of  the 
snakes  alive  and  explained  that  he  could  have  caught  as  many 
more. 

Distribution  of  the  Rattlesnakes. — Northern  Mexico  and  the 
extreme  southwestern  portion  of  the  United  States  appear  to  be 
the  headquarters  of  the  Rattlesnakes;  ten  of  the  total  number 
of  thirteen  species  occurring  in  the  United  States  are  to  be  found 
in  that  region.  These  are  the  Western  Massasauga,  Sistrurus 
catenatus  edwardsii;  the  Black-tailed  Rattlesnake,  Crotalus 
molossus;  the  Western  Diamond  Rattlesnake,  C.  atrox;  the 
Prairie  Rattlesnake,  C.  confluentus;  the  Pacific  Rattlesnake, 
C.  oregonus;  the  Tiger  Rattlesnake,  C.  tigris;  the  Horned  Rattle- 
snake, C.  cerastes;  the  Green  Rattlesnake,  C.  lepidus,  the  White 
Rattlesnake,  C.  mitchellii  and  Price's  Rattlesnake,  C.  pricei. 
Of  these  species,  the  Black-tailed  Rattlesnake,  the  Tiger  Rattle- 
snake, the  Horned  Rattlesnake,  the  Green  Rattlesnake  and  the 
White  Rattlesnake  (and  several  varieties  of  these)  are  confined 
to  that  region  or  immediately  adjacent  areas.  The  Pacific 
Rattlesnake  inhabits  the  western  portion  of  the  Great  Basin  and 
the  Pacific  region — thence  extends  northward  into  British  Colum- 
bia, as  does  the  Prairie  Rattlesnake  which  occurs  over  a  great 
portion  of  the  central  United  States.  The  only  other  species 
of  Rattlesnake  that  extends  northward  into  British  America 
is  the  Northern  phase  of  the  Massasauga,  Sistrurus  catenatus, 
(typical),  which  also  occurs  in  the  Central  States. 

In  the  eastern  portions  of  the  United  States,  the  Timber  or 
Banded  Rattlesnake,  Crotalus  lorridus,  occurs  from  Vermont  to 
northern  Florida,  thence  westward  into  the  Great  Plains.  The 
Diamond-back  Rattlesnake,  C.  adamanteus,  inhabits  a  compara- 
tively small  area  in  the  East,  occurring  from  North  Carolina  to 
Florida  (inclusive  of  the  latter  state),  thence  westward  to 
the  Mississippi.  It  frequents  the  low,  swampy  country  of  the 
coast  and  is  the  largest  species  of  the  genus. 

From  this  outline  it  will  be  readily  understood  that  Rattle- 
snakes inhabit  the  United  States  generally,  but  with  exception 

A2& 


The  Rattlesnakes 

of  the  Southwest  there  are  few  areas  where  more  than  one  species 
occurs — except  on  the  borders  of  the  ranges  of  the  different 
species,  where  the  distribution  of  one  may  extend  a  slight  distance 
into  that  of  another. 

Several  species  of  Rattlesnakes  inhabit  Mexico  and  Central 
America  that  are  not  found  in  the  United  States.  One  large 
and  very  handsomely  coloured  species  is  confined  to  South 
America.  With  the  exception  of  one  Mexican  species  extending 
southward  into  that  continent,  this  is  the  only  South  American 
Rattlesnake. 

The  Rattle. — Compared  with  all  other  genera  of  serpents, 
the  rattle  is  a  unique  appendage.  The  closest  approach  to  it  is 
the  well-developed  spine  existing  on  the  tail  of  many  snakes. 
The  natural  use  of  the  rattle  remains  unknown.  To  presume 
that  the  snake  is  provided  with  this  appendage  to  warn  enemies 
away  from  its  formidable  fangs, is  to  fall  in  line  of  very  bold  theory. 
Nature  has  no  apologies  to  make  for  the  distribution  and  ex- 
istence of  Her  creatures  whether  innocent  or  dangerous,  and 
She  is  not  lavish  in  placing  danger  signals  to  guard  the  unwary. 
The  argument  has  been  advanced  that  the  rattle  is  used  as  a 
call,  during  the  breeding  season,  which  is  not  illogical,  as  snakes 
are  not  wholly  deaf,  although  lacking  external  ears.  They 
appear  to  appreciate  the  vibrations  of  certain  sounds — possibly 
with  the  aid  of  the  delicate  tips  of  the  tongue  or  by  means  of  a 
sensitive  development  of  the  scales.  From  the  examinations 
of  freshly  captured  snakes,  it  appears  that  the  rattle  is  used  but 
little  in  a  state  of  nature,  for  it  rapidly  shows  traces  of  wear  and 
breakage  in  the  frequent  use  of  it  by  caged  specimens,  though 
it  may  have  been  quite  perfect  at  the  time  of  their  capture. 
Many  snakes,  both  venomous  and  innocuous,  vibrate  the  tail 
when  greatly  angered.  The  Rattlesnake  does  likewise,  hence 
the  "warning"  sound.  There  are  good  arguments  point- 
ing to  the  occasional  use  of  the  rattle  to  decoy  prey  within 
the  reach  of  the  fangs — but  it  is  the  writer's  purpose  to 
explain  what  is  actually  known  about  the  rattle  and  not  to 
enter  into  theory. 

A  persistent  and  popular  idea  is  to  the  effect  that  the  age 
of  a  snake  may  be  told  by  counting  the  rings  or  segments  of  the 
rattle.  With  the  majority  of  specimens,  such  calculation  is 
impossible.  In  the  case  of  certain  specimens  a  definite  idea  of 

429 


The  Rattlesnakes 

the  snake's  age  may  be  had  by  counting  the  segments,  but  in 
a  different  manner  than  that  usually  described. 

According  to  the  popular  and  incorrect  opinion,  the  snake 
acquires  a  new  joint  or  ring  of  the  rattle  every  year,  and  if  one  de- 
sires to  ascertain  the  age  of  the  reptile  it  is  simply  necessary  to 
count  the  number  of  rings  composing  the  rattle,  and,  by  allow- 
ing a  year  for  each  ring,  the  age  of  the  serpent  is  known.  Let 
us  explain  how  this  theory  is  wholly  incorrect  and  very  misleading. 

In  the  first  place,  the  rattlesnake  acquires  from  two  to 
three  rings  of  the  rattle  each  year — usually  three,  and  some- 
times, though  rarely,  four  segments.  The  rattle  seldom  attains 
a  length  of  more  than  ten  or  eleven  rings,  as  when  that  number 
has  been  acquired  the  vibration  at  the  tip,  when  the  organ  is  used, 
is  so  pronounced  that  additional  segments  are  soon  worn,  broken 
and  lost.  Even  though  the  rattle  is  seldom  employed  a  longer 
appendage  is  awkward,  and,  coming  in  frequent  contact  with 
rough  objects,  must  soon  be  broken. 

When  the  young  Rattlesnake  is  born,  it  is  provided  with  a 
soft  button  on  the  tip  of  the  tail,  which,  though  vigorously  shaken 
in  imitation  of  the  parent's  rattle,  produces  no  sound/  as  it  is 
rigidly  attached  to  the  tail.  Within  a  few  days  after  birth  the 
young  Rattlesnake  sheds  its  skin  and  commences  feeding,  taking 
small  mice,  or  other  young  rodents.  It  grows  rapidly  and  in 
about  two  months  sheds  the  second  skin  when  the  first  ring  or 
segment  of  the  rattle  is  uncovered.  This  has  been  steadily  develop- 
ing under  the  old  epidermis  and  at  such  times  its  presence  was 
apparent  in  the  swollen  appearance  at  the  base  of  the  original 
button.  Immediately  after  the  shedding  of  the  skin,  this  ring 
is  black  and  soft.  It  loosely  encases  the  base  of  the  button,  and, 
after  a  few  days,  when  the  segment  has  become  thoroughly  dry 
and  the  tail  is  shaken,  a  faint,  buzzing  sound  is  produced— 
this  caused  by  the  loosely  attached  button  rasping  against  the 
dry  segment  to  which  it  is  fastened.  Now  that  the  button  has 
become  detached  from  the  base  of  the  tail,  it  becomes  a  dull 
straw  colour — the  general  hue  of  the  rattle.  At  this  time  the 
snake  has  a  rattle  in  miniature.  Every  succeeding  segment 
is  produced  in  exactly  this  fashion. 

By  the  time  the  snake  has  developed  thus  far,  the  hibernating 
season  approaches,  and  it  retires  for  the  winter.  April  brings  it 
forth  again  to  feed  voraciously  and  begin  a  rapid  growth.  Around 

430 


THE  REPTILE  BOOK 


PLATE  CXXVII 


A  RATTLESNAKE  "  DEN  " 

A  deep  cleft  in  a  ledge  in  the  mountains  of  Sullivan  County,  New  York,  where  large  numbers  of  the  Timber  Rattlesnake,  Crotalus  horridus, 

gather  to  bask  in  the  autumn  sun  and  to  hibernate 


A  HAUNT  OF  THE  DIAMOND  RATTLESNAKE 

A  road  through  the  hammocks  in  South  Carolina.  The  big  Southern  rattlesnake.  Crotalus  adamanteus.'oftpr.- cros-ed  thi..  roid  ai  jignl 
The  lagoon  on  the  left  teemed  with  water  moccasins.  Ancistrodon  piscivorus.  In  the  immediate  vicinity,  the  writer,  and  an  assistant 
captured  over  three  hundred  snakes — of  various  species — in  less  than  two  weeks'  time. 


The  Rattlesnakes 

the  early  part  of  June,  it  prepares  to  shed  its  skin  again  and  the 
distension  at  the  base  of  the  diminutive  rattle  shows  the  presence 
of  another  "ring"  to  be  uncovered.  This  ring  proves  to  be  con- 
siderably larger  than  the  first  one;  its  increased  size  appeals  to 
the  growth  of  the  snake  itself.  The  rattle  now  appears  like 
Fig.  3  of  the  series  of  illustrations.  In  this  way  the  development 
of  the  rattle  goes  on,  each  ring  being  of  larger  size  than  the  pre- 
ceding until  the  snake  has  attained  maturity  and  growth  ceases. 

It  can  thus  be  appreciated  that  if  the  rattle  of  a  snake 
possesses  the  original  button  of  birth,  we  may  estimate  the  age  cf 
the  reptile  by  allowing  the  button  and  first  ring  for  about  the  first 
nine  months — this  including  the  period  of  the  first  hibernation, 
and  counting  each  three  additional  rings  as  a  year.-  The  reptile 
usually  sheds  its  skin  three  times  during  the  warm  season,  in  the 
spring,  during  mid-summer  and  in  the  fall.  If  the  button  has 
been  lost  through  wear  or  accident  and  the  rattle  has  a  distinctly 
tapering  outline  toward  its  tip,  the  number  of  lost  segments  may 
be  estimated,  but  if  all  the  segments  are  of  uniform  size,  it  will 
be  understood  that  the  rings  of  youth  have  been  lost  and  possibly 
many  others.  With  such  a  specimen  there  is  no  way  of  ascer- 
taining the  age  except  to  realise  that  it  is  fully  grown  and  mature 
at  the  time  the  terminal  ring  of  the  rattle  was  developed  as  this 
agrees  in  size  with  that  at  the  base  of  the  appendage. 

Sometimes  we  find  snakes  with  the  segments  of  the  rattle 
decreasing  in  size  toward  the  base.  A  specimen  captured 
by  the  writer  in  Pennsylvania  had  a  rattle  like  this.  The 
character  was  accounted  for  by  stories  of  nearby  residents 
of  an  extensive  forest  fire  that  swept  through  the  region 
several  years  back.  At  the  time  of  the  fire,  the  snake  was  prob- 
ably sheltered  in  some  deep  crevice  of  a  ledge  and  escaped  the 
conflagration,  which  consumed  the  fallen  and  hollow  tree  trunks 
in  which  were  the  nests  of  the  wild  mice  and  ground  squirrels. 
In  consequence,  living  had  been  scanty  for  some  time. 

Captive  snakes  that  fast  for  lengthy  periods,  or  feed  irreg- 
ularly, grow  rattles  like  this,  but  upon  regaining  their  appetites, 
the  succeeding  rings  are  of  normal  size. 

The  longest  rattle  examined  by  the  writer  consisted  of  seven- 
teen segments,  which  was  unusual,  owing  to  the  average  limited 
number,  as  previously  explained.  On  this  rattle,  the  last  three 
rings  were  worn  and  broken,  and  they  were  shaken  from  it  several 

43i 


The  Rattlesnakes 

weeks  later  when  the  snake — a  black  Timber  Rattlesnake — was 
so  disturbed  that  it  became  greatly  enraged  and  rattled  steadily 
for  about  an  hour.  The  writer  was  once  asked  to  examine  what 
was  considered  a  unique  possession — in  one  of  our  large  scientific 
institutions.  This  was  a  rattle  consisting  of  twenty-four  rings. 
Close  inspection  showed  the  wonderful  organ  to  be  composed  of 
the  rattles  of  three  snakes  of  similar  size,  snapped  into  one  another. 
This  is  easily  done.  On  many  occasions  in  the  reptile  house  of 
the  New  York  Zoological  Park  it  has  been  found  appropriate 
to  adorn  fine  rattlers  that  have  lost  their  chief  ornament  in  the 
excitement  of  capture,  with  a  rattle  from  the  souvenir  box  of  such 
curiosities.  (A  figure  shows  the  internal  composition  of  the  rattle). 

The  Rattlesnakes  are  divided  into  two  genera — Sistrurus, 
the  Pigmy  Rattlesnakes,  and  Crotalus — containing  the  majority 
of  the  species.  The  species  of  Sistrurus  are  small,  rarely  attaining 
a  thickness  of  a  man's  forefinger  and  a  length  of  a  yard.  Crotalus 
contains  species  both  large  and  small.  A  small  Rattlesnake  is 
one  that  attains  a  length  of  not  more  than  three  feet.  The  large 
species  reach  a  length  of  six  to  eight  feet. 

A  definition  is  presented  of  the  two  genera  of  Rattlesnakes : 

Top  of  head  with  large,  symmetrical  shields.  Size  small. 
Two  species  and  two  varieties  in  the  United  States. 

Genus  Sistrurus. 

Top  of  head  with  granular  scales — with  some  species  a 
few  small  shields  on  snout,  in  front  of  eyes.  Eleven  species 
and  two  varieties  in  the  United  States.  Genus  Crotalus. 

The  Pigmy  Rattlesnakes,  Sistrurus:  For  the  snakes  of 
this  genus,  the  popular  title  of  "Ground  Rattlesnakes"  has 
become  almost  proverbial.  The  writer  has  decided  to  drop  this 
name,  as  one  altogether  inappropriate.  It  is  really  difficult  to 
imagine  how  such  a  name  could  originate.  The  title  is  rpislead- 
ing  for  it  tends  to  signify  that  these  Rattlesnakes  live  on  the 
ground,  and  might  thus  bring  the  beginner  to  imagine  that  the 
members  of  the  larger  genus — Crotalus — live  in  the  trees.  All 
of  the  Rattlesnakes  are  ground  reptiles,  as  none  of  them  exhibits 
a  liking  for  climbing  or  swimming.  Hence  it  is  altogether  wrong 
to  select  a  small  genus  of  this  important  group  and  term  the  mem- 
bers the  ground  Rattlesnakes.  As  the  species  of  Sistrurus  are  of 
very  small  size  as  compared  to  the  average  Rattlesnake,  the 

432 


The  Rattlesnakes 

writer  has  adopted  for  them  the  popular  title  of  the  Pigmy  Rattle- 
snakes. 

The  Pigmy  Rattlesnakes  may  at  once  be  distinguished 
from  other  rattlers,  by  the  scalation  of  the  top  of  the  head.  The 
head  is  covered  with  large,  symmetrical  shields,  arranged  like 
those  of  the  harmless  or  colubrine  snakes.  But  from  the  latter 
the  Sistruri  may  be  told  at  a  glance  by  the  rattle  and  the  char- 
acteristic pit  of  the  family  Crotalidce. 

The  species  found  in  the  United  States  may  be  concisely 
defined :  * 

Key  to  the  Pigmy  Rattlesnakes 

I.  Ground-colour  brownish.      Large,   dark  saddles  on  the 
back  and  a  smaller  series  on  side. 

Blotches  of  the  back  in  close  formation;  those  of  the 

sides  of  moderate  size.  MASSASAUGA,  S.  catenatus. 

Distribution. — Western    New  York    to    Nebraska; 

Canada  to  Kansas, 
f  Blotches  of  the  back  smaller  and  more  separated;  those 

of  sides  very  small. 

EDWARD'S    MASSASAUGA,  5.  catenatus  variety  edwardsii. 
Distribution. — Southwestern  United  States. 

II.  Ground-colour  gray.     Large  black  saddles  on  back  and 
a  smaller  series  on  sides. 

Blotches  on  back  well  apart.     A  reddish  streak  from 
behind  the  head. 

SOUTHERN    PIGMY    RATTLESNAKE,  S.  miliariuS. 

Distribution. — Southeastern  United  States. 
Following  are  detailed  descriptions: 

THE   SOUTHERN   PIGMY   RATTLESNAKE 

Sistrurus  miliarius,  (Linn.) 

A  very  small  species,  though  stout  of  form,  with  distinct, 
flattened  head.  The  body  tapers  gradually  to  a  thin  tail,  which 
is  provided  with  a  minute  rattle. 

Colouration. — Dark  ashy  gray,  with  a  series  of  large,  black 
blotches  on  the  back,  these  irregularly  rounded  and  separated 
— on  the  central  portion  of  the  back — by  reddish  spaces.  The 

*  One  other  species,  5.  ravus,  inhabits  Mexico. 

t  Another  variety,  technically  called  S.  catenatus  consors  has  been 
described.  The  pattern  is  like  that  of  Edward's  Massasauga,  but  the 
number  of  scale  rows  is  25  (like  the  typical  form).  Edward's  Massasauga 
has  23  rows  of  scales. 

433 


The  Rattlesnakes 

reddish,  broken  line,  is  more  prominent  on  the  forward  portion 
of  the  body.  On  the  sides  are  several  series  of  black  spots, 
smaller  and  less  distinct  than  those  on  the  back.  The  tail  is 
usually  reddish. 

Beneath,  this  species  is  white,  thickly  marbled  with  black 
spots  and  blotches. 

The  large  head  shields  at  once  distinguish  this  small  Rattle- 
snake from  the  young  of  other  species  that  inhabit  the  south- 
eastern United  States. 

Dimensions. — The  Southern  Pigmy  Rattlesnake,  or  Florida 
Ground  Rattlesnake  as  it  is  often  called,  is  the  smallest  species 
of  rattler  inhabiting  the  United  States.  Measurements  are  given 
of  an  adult  specimen,  captured  in  Marion  County,  Florida: 

Total  Length 17  inches. 

Length  of  Tail,  exclusive  of  the  rattle 2 

Greatest  Diameter  of  Body f 

Width  of  Head •& 

Length  of  Head if 

Length  of  Rattle,  6  segments | 

The  length  of  the  tail  should  be  noted.  It  is  proportionately 
very  long  for  a  Rattlesnake.  The  rattle  of  this  species  seldom 
exceeds  six  segments. 

Distribution. — Central  North  Carolina  southward  throughout 
Florida,  thence  along  the  coastal  region  of  the  Gulf  of  Mexico  to 
Texas.  The  range  extends  inland  up  the  Mississippi  River 
valley  and  the  valley  of  the  larger,  Southern  tributaries.  Dr. 
Stejneger  explains:  "Curiously  enough,  it  seems  to  be  more 
common  on  the  western  side  of  the  great  river,  being  apparently 
common  in  Arkansas  and  Indian  Territory  even  as  far  west  as 
central  Oklahoma,  whence  the  National  Museum  has  a  young 
specimen  collected  by  Dr.  Edward  Palmer  at  Old  Fort  Cobb." 

The  species  is  most  abundant  in  Florida. 

Habits. — Owing  to  its  diminutive  size,  this  species  is  the 
least  formidable  of  the  North  American  Crotaline  Snakes.  By 
many,  however,  it  has  been  argued  that  the  Coral  Snal<fe,  (Elaps 
fulvius),  should  be  placed  last  on  the  list  as  regards  the  virulency 
of  the  bites  of  venomous  serpents  inhabiting  the  United  States. 
The  writer  cannot  agree  with  this  contention.  Although  the 
fangs  of  the  Coral  Snake  may  be  smaller  than  the  weapons  of 
the  Pigmy  Rattlesnake,  the  former  serpent  is  provided  with  a 

434 


The  Rattlesnakes 

more  powerful  poison  which  makes  up  for  the  deficiency  in  size 
of  the  venom  conducting  teeth  and  possibly  a  smaller  amount 
of  poison  discharged  from  them. 

The  late  Dr.  C.  Slover  Allen,  whose  fondness  for  snakes, 
particularly  the  rattlesnakes,  resulted  in  the  maintenance  of 
quite  a  collection  of  these  creatures,  once  described  to  the  writer 
his  experience  after  a  bite  from  a  Pigmy  Rattlesnake.  Dr. 
Allen  said: 

"I  was  placing  the  snake  in  a  bag,  holding  the  reptile  by 
the  neck,  when  my  forefinger  slipped  and  the  little  creature  took 
instant  advantage  by  turning  and  burying  both  fangs  in  my 
thumb.  I  was  so  used  to  handling  the  big  'Diamond-backs'  that 
the  bite  did  not  greatly  alarm  me.  Taking  an  elastic  band,  I 
at  once  applied  this  as  a  ligature  at  the  base  of  the  thumb  and  then 
opened  both  fang  punctures  with  a  razor,  to  a  greater  depth  than 
the  teeth  had  actually  gone.  I  alternately  sucked  and  washed 
out  the  wound,  applied  a  solution  of  permanganate  of  potash 
and  finally  applied  a  wet,  antiseptic  bandage.  Then  I  removed 
the  ligature.  The  thumb  throbbed  painfully  as  did  the  wrist 
and  a  portion  of  my  hand  was  badly  swollen,  but  a  day  or  two 
afterwards  these  local  symptoms  passed  away.  I  attributed  my 
escape  from  more  serious  consequences  to  the  almost  immediate 
scarification,  application  of  the  ligature  and  washing  of  the 
wounds." 

So  small  is  the  rattle  of  this  species,  that  its  whirring  can  be 
distinguished  but  the  distance  of  a  few  feet — about  eight  feet  at 
most  with  a  full-grown  specimen,  and  barely  a  yard  away  from 
a  half-grown  snake.  When  annoyed  this  little  snake  will  throw 
its  body  into  a  fighting  coil  and  sound  its  tiny  rattle,  giving 
vent  to  its  anger  by  a  series  of  vicious  jabs  in  the  direction  of  the 
disturbance.  The  writer  found  this  species  to  be  moderately 
common  in  very  dry  and  sandy  areas  in  South  Carolina.  These 
situations  were  called  the  "sand  hills"  by  the  natives.  While 
collecting  there  the  heat  was  found  to  be  almost  unendurable 
during  the  middle  of  a  June  day.  The  vegetation  consisted  prin- 
cipally of  scrub  oak,  varying  from  a  yard  to  six  feet  in  height. 
Burrows  of  the  gopher  tortoise  were  numerous  and  in  these 
some  of  the  snakes  took  refuge. 

Unlike  the  majority  of  the  rattlesnakes,  which  feed  only 
upon  warm-blooded  animals,  this  species  is  fond  of  frogs. 

435 


The  Rattlesnakes 

These  it  takes  with  a  lightning-like  dart,  imbedding  the  fangs 
deeply  and  holding  the  prey  until  it  is  dead,  when  it  is  swallowed. 
Frogs  that  have  been  bitten  and  escaped  from  the  snake  die  within 
five  minutes  or  so  from  the  effects  of  the  venom  which  appears 
to  quickly  paralyse  them.  This  rattlesnake  will  also  eat  small 
rodents  and  very  young  birds. 

The  species  produces  a  small  number  of  living  young.  Seven 
young  were  born  from  one  specimen  in  the  writer's  collection  and 
nine  from  another.  These  young  snakes  had  a  very  minute 
"button"  to  represent  the  future  rattle. 

THE   MASSASAUGA 
Sistmrus  catenatus,  (Rafmesque) 

A  considerably  larger  and  proportionately  stouter  snake  than 
the  preceding.  The  tail  is  much  shorter  and  the  rattle  more 
developed. 

Colouration. — The  most  common  ground-colour  is  grayish- 
brown.  There  is  a  series  of  large,  rich  brown  blotches  on  the 
back,  these  faintly  bordered  with  white.  On  each  side  of  the 
body  are  three  series  of  smaller  blotches,  the  lower  extending 
over  the  edges  of  the  abdominal  plates.  The  tail  is  ringed  (above) 
with  dark  brown,  alternating  with  the  body  colour. 

The  head  markings  are  well  illustrated  in  the  photograph 
and  the  separate  figures  of  the  head  from  the  top  and  side.  Be- 
neath, the  colour  is  dull  gray  marbled  with  black,  or  entirely 
black.  The  throat  is  paler. 

Variation. — Various  phases  of  the  ground-colour  are  to  be 
found.  Some  specimens  are  very  dark  brown,  with  an  obscure 
pattern.  Occasional  black  specimens  are  found  with  the  pattern 
barely  discernible.  One  constant  and  distinct  variety  occurs; 
it  is  separately  described. 

Dimensions. — The  following  measurements  appeal  to  an 
adult,  female  specimen: 

Total  Length 26*~inches. 

Length  of  Tail,  not  including  rattle 2j     " 

Greatest  Diameter .   ji     " 

Width  of  Head f     " 

Length  of  Head i^\  " 

This  specimen  had  a  rattle  consisting  of  five  rings,  of 
uniform  size. 

436 


The  Rattlesnakes 

Specimens  of  the  length  of  a  yard  are  not  rare.  Occasional 
specimens  will  measure  three  and  a  half  feet. 

Distribution. — Until  a  comparatively  recent  date,  the  Mas- 
sasauga  extended  its  range  eastward  as  far  as  western  New  York, 
but  it  has  been  noted  that  this  snake  rapidly  disappears  with  the 
cultivation  of  land  for  agricultural  purposes.  It  now  occurs 
from  Ohio  to  central  Nebraska,  its  southern  limit  in  the  eastern 
portion  of  the  range  being  apparently  above  Indianapolis,  thence 
to  the  west  the  range  slopes  downward  into  Kansas;  further 
in  the  Southwest,  the  typical  form  is  replaced  by  a  distinct  variety 
—Edward's  Massasauga.  The  MaSsasauga  ranges  well  into 
the  north.  It  occurs  in  Minnesota,  Wisconsin  and  Michigan. 
It  occurs  in  several  portions  of  Canada,  being  recorded  from  the 
shores  of  Lake  Huron  and  on  the  peninsula  of  Ontario. 

Habits. — The  Massasauga  is  more  essentially  a  Rattlesnake 
than  the  diminutive  species  of  Sistrurus  previously  described. 
Its  rattle  sounds  a  fairly  loud  note  of  warning,  and  the  noise 
made  by  a  fair-sized  specimen  would  readily  attract  a  man's 
attention.  The  bite  of  an  adult,  if  properly  delivered — both 
fangs  thoroughly  perforating  the  flesh — might  readily  produce 
the  death  of  a  man. 

The  Massasauga  is  a  snake  of  swampy  situations.  Its 
habits,  and  those  of  the  allied  southeastern  species,  more  nearly 
relate  to  the  copperhead  snake  and  the  water  moccasin,  than 
to  the  species  of  the  large  Rattlesnake  genus;  for  Rattlesnakes 
generally  eat  nothing  but  warm-blooded  prey — mammals  and 
birds — while  the  Pigmy  Rattlesnakes  feed  largely  upon  frogs. 
These  omnivorous  habits,  so  like  the  feeding  of  those  Pit  Vipers 
without  rattles,  must  be  compared  with  the  close  structural 
relationship  of  the  moccasin  and  copperhead  snake  and  the  snakes 
of  Sistrurus;  all  have  large  shields,  covering  the  head. 

Most  of  the  writer's  specimens  of  the  Massasauga  were  re- 
ceived from  Michigan  and  the  collector  explains  that  they  fre- 
quent a  considerable  area  of  swampy  land.  He  goes  on  to  say 
that  they  are  occasionally  found  in  the  neighbouring  farming 
country,  but  their  presence  in  the  drier  area  seems  to  indicate 
a  wandering  from  one  swamp  to  another.  Of  this  lot  of  spec- 
imens, the  snake  having  the  biggest  rattle  possessed  seven  seg- 
ments. The  longest  rattle  of  this  species  examined,  consisted 
of  eight  joints.  As  captives  the  specimens  soon  became  tame 

437 


The  Rattlesnakes 

and  fed  readily.  They  seldom  rattled,  and  then  but  for  five  or 
ten  seconds'  time-.  They  would  take  young  birds,  mice  and 
frogs,  and,  like  the  copperhead  snake,  different  kinds  of  food 
according  to  the  seasons,  a  trait  probably  developed  by  necessity 
while  in  a  wild  state.  One  of  the  Michigan  specimens  gave 
birth  to  seven  young;  the  female  was  about  two  feet  in  length 
and  her  youngsters  so  small  that  one  of  them  could  have  readily 
coiled  upon  a  silver  half-dollar  and  left  a  good  margin  about  it. 

EDWARD'S  MASSASAUGA 
Sistrurus  catenaius,  variety  edwardsii,  (B.  &  G.) 

This  variety  is  distinguished  by  the  much  paler — yellowish 
— ground-colour  and  the  smaller  spots  on  the  back.  The  spots 
on  the  sides  are  indistinct.  In  miniature,  the  pattern  of  this 
snake  is  much  like  that  of  the  prairie  rattlesnake,  (Crotalus 
confluentus} . 

While  the  typical  form  has  twenty-five  rows  of  scales,  this 
variety  has  but  twenty-three. 

From  all  of  the  other  rattlesnakes  of  the  Southwest,  it  may 
be  instantly  told  by  the  large  plates  of  the  head. 

Dimensions. — Like  the  typical  form. 

Distribution. — The  range  of  this  variety  begins  from  the 
extreme  southern  distribution  of  the  typical  form  and  extends 
from  the  Indian  Territory,  throughout  western  Texas,  and  west- 
ward to  about  the  central  portion  of  southern  Arizona.  It  also 
occurs  in  northern  Mexico,  adjacent  to  the  boundary. 

Habits. — It  seems  that  this  reptile  is  less  partial  to  damp 
situations  than  the  preceding  form. 

The  Rattlesnakes — Crotalus:  The  present  genus  embraces 
the  Rattlesnakes  proper.  The  species  may  be  recognised  from 
the  preceding  genus  of  small  Rattlesnakes  by  the  scalation  of 
the  head;  this  small  and  granular.  A  few  of  the  species  have 
small  shields  on  the  forward  portion  of  the  snout — in  front  of 
the  eyes. 

Fifteen  distinct  species  and  several  varieties  of  Crotalus 
are  known.  Eleven  of  the  species  and  two  varieties  are 
found  in  the  United  States.  Concerning  the  latter,  a  key  is 
given : 

438 


THE  REPTILE  BOOK 


PLATE  CXXIX 


5 

NORTH  AMERICAN  RATTLESNAKES. 

Diimond  Rattlesnake                  Crotalus  adamanteus.  5     Banded  or  Timber  Rattlesnake,  Crotalus  horridus. 

WesTern Diamond  Rattlesnake,  Crotalus  otrox.  6     Black-tailed  Rattlesnake,               Crotalus  molossus. 


3  Pacific  Rattlesnake, 

4  Prairie  Rattlesnake, 


Crotalus  oregonus. 
Crotalus  confluentus. 


7  Green  Rattlesnake, 

8  Price's  Rattlesnake, 


Crotalus  lepidus. 
Crotalus  fried. 


PLATE  CXXX 


• 


1  Crotalus  atrox. 

2  Crotalus  oregonus. 

3  Crotalus  confluentus. 


NORTH  AMERICAN  RATTLESNAKES 


4  Crotnlus  molossus. 

5  Crotalus  adamanteus. 

6  Crotalus  pricei. 


7  Crotalus  alrox  ("scutnlatus"'). 

8  Crotalus  horridus. 

9  Crotalus lepidus. 


The  Rattlesnakes 

Division  I.  A  chain  of  large,  dark,  pale-bordered  rhombs — 
"diamonds." 

a.  Diamond  markings  closed  on  sides. 
fSize  large. 

Dark  olive;   rhombs  with  yellow  borders. 

DIAMOND-BACK  RATTLESNAKE,  C.  adamanteus. 
Distribution. — Southeastern  U.  S. 

Grayish;   rhombs  with  whitish  borders. 

WESTERN    DIAMOND   RATTLESNAKE,  C.  atroX. 

Distribution. — Texas  to  southern  California. 
Reddish;  rhombs  with  whitish  borders. 

RED  DIAMOND  RATTLESNAKE,  C.  atrox  variety  ruber. 
Distribution. — Southern  and  Lower  California. 
ffSize  moderate. 

Dull  white  or  pinkish,  with  very  obscure,   rhomb-like 
markings.  WHITE  RATTLESNAKE,  C.  mitchellii. 

Distribution. — Southern  California,  Lower  California 
and  Arizona. 

b.  Diamond  markings  narrowly  open  at  sides  and  con- 
tinued downward  as  narrow  bands. 

Yellow  or  greenish.      Two  paler  blotches  within  each 
rhomb.          BLACK-TAILED  RATTLESNAKE,  C.  molossus. 
Distribution. — Arizona,  New  Mexico  and  Mexico. 

Division  II.    A  row  of   rounded,    dark-bordered    blotches, 
well  separated. 

a.  No  horn  over  the  eye. 

A  pale  band,  one  scale  wide,  in  front  of  eye. 

PRAIRIE    RATTLESNAKE,  C.   COnfluentuS. 

Distribution. — Central    United    States;    Canada    to 

Mexico. 
A  pale  band,  two  scales  wide,  in  front  of  eye. 

PACIFIC   RATTLESNAKE,  C.  OregOnUS. 

Distribution. — Extreme  Western  States. 
fffSize  small. 

Two  rows  of  blotches  on  forward  portion,  fusing    into 
a  single  row  in  rear  of  body. 

PRICE'S  RATTLESNAKE,  C.  pricei. 
Distribution. — Arizona  and  Mexico. 

b.  A  horn  over  each  eye. 

Yellowish;  square,  dull  blotches  on  back  and  black  spots 
on  sides.  HORNED  RATTLESNAKE,  C.  cerastes. 

Distribution. —  Deserts  of  Arizona,  Nevada  and  Cali- 
fornia. 

Division  III.  Markings  in  the  form  of  dark,  transverse  bands, 
a.    Bands  angular. 
*Size  moderate. 

439 


The  Rattlesnakes 

Bands  angular  in  the  rear — sometimes  broken  into  three 
blotches — the  central  the  larger. 

BANDED    RATTLESNAKE,  C.  horridus. 

Distribution. — Eastern   United  States,  Vermont   tc 
Florida;  westward  to  the  Plains. 

b.  Bands  even. 

Yellowish  or  gray;  three  series  of  blotches  on   anterioi 

portion  of  body.     Ring-like  bands — close  together — 

on  latter  two-thirds  of  body. 

TIGER   RATTLESNAKE,  C.   tigris. 

Distribution. — Desert  mountains  of  Southern  Cali- 
fornia, Arizona  and  Nevada. 

**Size  small. 

Greenish;  narrow  and  regular  black  bands  at  a  consid- 
erable distance  apart. 

GREEN    RATTLESNAKE,  C.   lepidus. 

Distribution. — Region  of  the  Mexican  boundary — 
western  Texas  to  western  Arizona. 

Following  are  detailed  descriptions  of  these  serpents: 

THE   BLACK-TAILED   RATTLESNAKE 
Crotalus  molossus,  (B.  &  G.) 

By  the  uniform  jet-black  of  the  tail,  this  fine  Rattlesnake 
is  readily  distinguished  from  the  other  species  occurring  in  the 
Southwest.  It  attains  a  fair  length — from  three  and  a  half  to 
five  feet,  and  is  proportionately  stout  of  body.  The  head  is 
large,  and  quite  blunt  at  the  snout.  On  the  upper  portion  of 
the  snout  are  three  pairs  of  enlarged  scales  or  shields. 

Colouration. — The  ground-colour  above  is  rich  sulphur- 
yellow,  yellowish-brown,  or  olive.  Down  the  back  is  a  series  of 
brown  rhombs,  with  a  narrow,  yellow  border,  and  open  at  the 
sides,  whence  they  extend  to  the  abdomen  as  narrow  bands.  Each 
of  the  rhombs  usually  contains  two  yellowish  blotches.  Toward 
the  tail  the  markings  become  obscure.  The  tail  is  uniform  black.  * 

With  the  exception  of  a  brown  blotch  or  band  on  each  side 
of  the  head,  behind  the  eye,  there  are  no  head  markings. 

Dimensions. — The  largest  specimen  examined  by  the^  writer 
was  forty-nine  inches  long.  It  was  fully  adult,  with  a  rattle 
consisting  of  nine,  perfectly  equal  segments,  and  was  captured 
in  the  mountains  near  Tucson,  Arizona. 


*  Occasional  specimens  are  said  to  have  the  tail  alternately  barred 
with  the  ground-colour  and  black. 

440 


The  Rattlesnakes 

Following  are  the  measurements  of  a  young  specimen  cap- 
tured in  Mexico,  a  short  distance  over  the  border  and  south  of 
Arizona;  although  these  measurements  are  below  that  of  the 
adult,  they  show  the  general  proportions: 

Total  Length 20    inches. 

Length  of  Tail,  not  including  rattle i 

Greatest  Diameter f       " 

Width  of  Head jf     " 

Length  of  Head i  J 

The  specimen  had  a  perfect  rattle  of  five  segments  and, 
judging  from  the  size  of  the  basal  ring,  was  about  two-thirds 
grown. 

Distribution. — In  the  United  States  the  range  of  this  species 
extends  but  a  slight  distance  north  of  the  Mexican  boundary — 
not  beyond  the  central  portion  of  Arizona  and  as  far  north  as 
this  it  is  rare. 

North  of  the  Mexican  boundary  it  occurs  from  the  Pecos 
River  in  Texas  to  slightly  more  than  the  central  portion  of  Ari- 
zona. The  most  northerly  record  of  capture  in  New  Mexico 
appears  to  be  Fort  Bayard.  Two  specimens  were  captured 
by  Dr.  E.  Coues  on  San  Francisco  Mountain,  in  Arizona.* 

In  New  Mexico  and  Arizona,  immediately  adjacent  to  the 
Mexican  border  the  species  seems  to  be  common.  The  writer 
has  received  several  skins  from  Tucson,  Arizona.  Following 
is  a  paragraph  from  a  letter  from  Mr.  Herbert  Brown,  of  Yuma, 
Arizona:  "The  Black-tailed  rattlesnake  is  fairly  common  in 
the  Santa  Catalina  and  Rincon  Mountains,  near  Tucson." 

The  range  of  this  snake  into  Mexico  is  not  definitely  known. 

Habits. — Like  many  of  the  rattlesnakes  this  species  fre- 
quents rocky  places,  lurking  in  the  vicinity  of  the  mountain 
ledges  where  the  numerous  fissures  afford  it  shelter. 

THE   BANDED  OR   TIMBER  RATTLESNAKE 

Crotalus  horridus,  (Linn.) 

In  its  pattern  and  colours  this  Eastern  species  exhibits  great 
variation.  It  is  the  only  rattlesnake  occurring  over  the  greater 
portion  of  its  range,  but  in  the  South  and  West  its  distribution 
overlaps  the  range  of  several  species;  they  are  so  distinct  as  not 

*  Stejneger,  Report  of  U.  S.  National  Museum,  1893,  p.  426. 

441 


The  Rattlesnakes 

to  be  readily  confused  with  it.     The  average  length  is    from 
three  and  a  half  to  four  feet. 

Colouration. — The  most  familiar  phase  is  that  of  a  sulphur- 
yellow  ground-colour,  with  wide,  dark  brown  or  black  cross- 
bands,  these  usually  wavy  or  sharply  pointed  in  the  rear — some- 
times broken  up  into  three  series  of  blotches  —  the  larger  on 
the  back  in  the  shape  of  half-rhombs.  The  tail  of  such  a  spec- 
imen is  black. 

Another  common  phase  is  olive.  On  the  forward  portion 
of  the  body  are  three  series  of  dark  blotches,  margined  with  yel- 
low; these  fuse  into  wavy,  yellow-edged  cross-bands  on  the  pos- 
terior two-thirds  of  the  body. 

The  ground-colour  varies  from  yellow  to  brown,  olive  or 
black.  With  the  black  specimens  the  bands  are  not  discernible. 
These  black  rattlesnakes  are  common  in  the  mountains  of  the 
Virginias,  Pennsylvania  and  New  York,  and,  after  freshly  casting 
their  skins,  have  the  soft,  rich  effect  of  black  velvet.  The  writer 
has  found  that  the  majority  of  the  black  specimens  are  males, 
although  among  them  he  has  found  occasional  females.  He 
has  never  among  yellow  individuals  found  a  male  specimen — 
that  is  in  the  localities  where  the  black  phase  is  to  be  found. 
The  most  beautiful  specimens  he  has  examined  were  captured 
in  the  cane-brakes  of  South  Carolina.  The  ground-colour  was 
a  delicate  shade  of  pink,  the  cross-bands  jet-black;  on  the  cen- 
tral portion  of  the  back,  for  the  width  of  about  three  scales,  was 
a  stripe  of  rusty-red.  Subsequent  investigations  show  that  this 
marked  and  apparently  constant  form  occurs  from  North  Caro- 
lina to  northern  Florida,  along  the  low,  coast  region,  and  west- 
ward along  the  Gulf  Coast  to  Louisiana.  It  is  locally  known 
as  the  Cane-brake  Rattlesnake.  In  a  way,  the  colouration  of 
this  phase  appeals  to  western  individuals,  as  they  may  be  pale 
brown  or  gray,  and  exhibit  the  pronounced  reddish  or  tawny 
stripe  upon  the  back. 

The  general  pattern  of  this  species  is  well  illustrated  in  a 
photograph  taken  of  a  specimen  that  has  freshly  shed  its  skin. 
Illustrations  are  given  of  the  most  characteristic  phases — the 
Yellow  Timber  Rattlesna-ke,  and  the  Black  Timber  Rattlesnake, 
both  from  Pennsylvania. 

Dimensions. — To  represent  the  usual  size  of  an  adult  spec- 
imen of  this  snake,  the  measurements  of  a  Pennsylvania  spec- 

442 


THE  REPTILE  BOOK 


PLATE  CXXXT 


TIMBER  RATTLESNAKE,  Crotalus  horridus.    Yellow  Phase 

The  species  inhabits  eastern  North  America,  from  New  England  to  Florida  (inclusive).  In  the  mountainous  districts  of  the 
Northern  States,  the  greater  number  of  females  are  sulphur  yellow,  while  the  males  are  black,  though  this  rule  as  to 
sex  does  not  always  hold  good 


TIMBER  RATTLESNAKE,  Crotalus  IwrnCius.     Black   Phase 
When  such  examples  have  recently  shed  the  skin  the  body  presents  a  rich,  velvety  appearance 


THE  REPTILE  BOOK 


PLATE  CXXXII 


WESTERN  DIAMOND  RATTLESNAKE,  Crotdlus  atrox 
A  Western  ally  of  the  Diamond  Rattlesnake.     Grows  to  a  length  of  seven  feet 


The  body  hue  is  a  distinct,  rusty  red,  while  the  markings  are  quite  obscure. 

the  Colorado  Desert  and  the  and  ra: 


The  distribution  is  limited  to  the  extreme  western  porti 
nges  in  Lower  California 


The  Rattlesnake* 

imen  are  noted.    This  particular  specimen  showed  average  dimen- 
sions among  several  dozen  specimens  from  the  Eastern  States: 

Total  Length 3  ft.  8    inches. 

Length  of  Tail  (exclusive  of  rattle) 2f       " 

Diameter  of  Body .    if       " 

Width  of  Head if      " 

Length  of  Head if 

The   rattle   consisted    of   ten   perfectly   uniform   segments. 

The  writer's  largest  Pennsylvania  specimen  measured  five 
feet  and  one  inch  in  length.  The  largest  specimen  he  has  ever 
examined  measured  exactly  six  feet.  It  was  two  and  a  half 
inches  in  diameter  at  the  thickest  part  of  the  body,  but  the  head 
was  proportionately  very  small,  showing  a  total  width  of  one 
and  seven-eighth  inches.  The  rattle  was  made  up  of  fourteen 
perfectly  uniform  segments.  This  fine  specimen  was  captured 
in  Missouri. 

Distribution. — The  range  of  the  Banded  Rattlesnake  is  ex- 
tensive. It  occurs  from  central  Vermont  to  the  northern  portion 
of  the  Florida  peninsula,  thence  westward  to  Iowa,  Kansas,  the 
Indian  Territory  and  eastern  Texas.  In  the  mountainous  dis- 
tricts of  this  large  area  the  species  is  common,  although  from 
the  larger,  cultivated  districts  it  has  for  some  time  disappeared. 
Again  in  the  swamps  of  the  coastal  region — in  the  Atlantic  States 
and  Gulf  States,  the  lowland  phase,  or  Cane-brake  Rattlesnake 
is  abundant.  The  species  abounds  in  the  mountains  of  southern 
New  York,  Massachusetts  and  eastern  Pennsylvania,  and  actually 
appears  to  be  increasing  in  numbers,  in  these  states,  year  after 
year. 

Habits  of  the  Banded  Rattlesnake 

In  the  North  this  serpent  shows  a  marked  fondness  for 
mountain  ledges,  cleft  with  many  fissures  and  on  which  lie  large 
shelving  rocks.  About  such  rugged  situations  large  numbers  of 
rattlesnakes  gather  in  the  fall,  preparatory  for  the  hibernating 
season.  They  appear  to  find  the  same  places,  year  after  year, 
making  their  way  from  the  adjoining  timber  and  lesser  ledges  as 
if  led  by  some  strange,  instinctive  power.  On  the  main  ledge, 
they  coil  sociably  in  great  clusters  to  enjoy  the  sun  of  "  Indian 
summer" — but  only  for  a  limited  number  of  days,  when  they 
retire  into  the  deep  fissures  for  the  winter's  sleep.  For  several 

443 


The  Rattlesnakes 

weeks — in  the  spring — during  the  mating  season,  they  linger  on 
the  main  ledge  in  large  numbers,  but  finally  scatter  to  the  timber 
for  the  warm  months. 

These  places  are  the  so-called  "rattlesnake  dens."  During 
the  summer  but  occasional  snakes  are  observed  in  the  vicinity. 
The  accompanying  photographs  indicate  the  character  of  a  "den." 
(Illus.  Rock  Cabin  Ledge.)  The  snakes  hibernate  in  the 
fissures  leading  back  from  the  cavern,  which  faces  the  south 
while  upon  the  top  of  the  ledge,  the  writer  has  obtained  a  number 
of  specimens  each  summer. 

Though  after  the  spring  the  snakes  leave  the  hibernating 
ledge — generally  so  situated  as  to  be  exposed  to  the  sun  for  the 
greater  part  of  the  day  —  they  display  a  marked  persistency  in 
following  the  ledge  into  the  timber  where  they  frequent  out- 
croppings  of  the  same  vein  of  rock,  or  adjacent  and  smaller 
ledges  that  are  surrounded  by  ground  where  the  hunting  is 
good.  These  veins  of  rock  traversing  the  mountains  of  New 
York,  Pennsylvania  and  many  of  the  Eastern  States  are  generally 
associated  with  the  presence  of  rattlesnakes  which  are  but  rarely 
found  any  distance  from  them.  This  may  be  explained  by  the 
existence  of  many  fissures  and  hiding  places  on  the  ledges.  From 
the  presence  of  numerous  shed  skins  it  appears  that  various 
snakes  have  favourite  places  of  concealment,  and  from  these  they 
do  not  wander  far  during  the  course  of  the  summer. 

Of  the  various  rattlesnakes  inhabiting  the  United  States, 
this  is  the  most  mild-tempered  species.  It  becomes  so  docile 
in  captivity  that  the  majority  of  specimens  may  be  actually 
handled  with  the  same  freedom  as  a  harmless  snake  without 
showing  signs  of  irritation — a  trait  particularly  characteristic 
of  male  specimens.  While  this  has  frequently  been  done  by 
reckless  persons,  the  writer  begs  to  explain  that  he  is  not  ad- 
vising the  student  to  try  the  dangerous  experiment.  The  fact 
should  always  be  in  mind,  in  studying  poisonous  snakes,  that  no 
matter  how  gentle  may  be  the  demeanour  of  the  serpent,  it  is 
provided  with  fangs,  and  can  produce  a  deadly  wound  in  lightning- 
like  fashion,  and  moreover,  though  a  venomous  snake  be  ex- 
tremely good-natured,  there  lurks  within  its  brain  a  nervous  and 
instinctive  tendency  to  instantly  employ  the  fangs  if  the  move- 
ments of  a  nearby  object  appear  suspicious  or  threaten  danger. 
And  it  takes  but  little  to  provoke  a  poisonous  snake.  A  quick 

444 


The  Rattlesnakes 

movement,  a  slightly  increasing  pressure  of  the  fingers  to  re- 
strain a  movement  on  the  reptile's  part — and  the  fangs  have  done 
their  work.  It  is  almost  involuntary  for  the  more  irritable  of 
the  venomous  snakes  to  instantly  turn  and  bite  at  an  object  that 
presses  against  their  bodies.  This  tendency  may  be  noted  in  a 
snake  freshly  killed,  and  decapitated.  Upon  pinching  the  rep- 
tile's side  the  headless  neck  will  fly  around  to  the  spot  in  a  manner 
thoroughly  startling  to  the  individual  accidentally  figuring  in  such 
a  demonstration.  At  the  same  time,  the  severed  head  is  very 
dangerous  for  if  the  neck  is  grasped  carelessly  an  inch  or  so  be- 
hind the  head,  the  latter  will  instantly  turn  and  bite  in  the  same 
fashion  as  if  attached  to  the  living  snake.  The  writer  has  wit- 
nessed some  narrow  escapes  from  injury,  by  persons  who  were 
not  acquainted  with  the  tenacity  of  life,  exhibited  in  the  muscles 
of  snakes  that  had  been  harshly  belaboured  with  an  axe  or  club. 

A  gentleman  with  whom  the  writer  is  acquainted,  is  un- 
fortunately "gifted"  with  considerable  recklessness  in  handling 
poisonous  serpents.  The  former  had  a  number  of  rattlesnakes 
in  his  collection  which  he  handled  with  the  greatest  indifference, 
permitting  the  reptiles  to  crawl  through  his  fingers  and  over  his 
arms  like  ordinary  harmless  snakes.  They  were  in  his  possession 
for  several  months,  and  during  that  time  no  accident  resulted 
from  his  careless  exhibitions  of  the  creatures  to  his  friends.  One 
day  he  discovered  that  the  largest  of  the  snakes  was  the  mother 
of  nine  little  ones.  In  the  haste  to  open  the  case  to  examine  the 
youngsters  he  so  disturbed  the  female  that  she  coiled  and  rattled 
vigorously.  With  his  usual  display  of  recklessness  he  removed 
all  of  the  baby  rattlers,  that  were  gliding  over  and  around  the 
parent,  and  without  accident.  After  such  blind  daring  without 
bad  results,  it  is  interesting  to  explain  that  this  careless  her- 
petologist  soon  received  his  lesson.  Placing  the  young  reptiles 
on  a  table  to  watch  their  movements,  he  was  embarrassed  by 
their  inclination  to  glide  in  all  directions.  In  preventing  one 
of  the  babies  from  dropping  over  the  edge  of  the  table,  the  man 
was  bitten.  Although  the  snake  was  but  a  few  hours  old,  its 
tiny  fangs  produced  an  injury  that  served  as  a  practical  and 
painful  demonstration  of  the  effects  of  rattlesnake  poison. 

In  a  wild  state,  the  Banded  Rattlesnake  prefers  flight  to 
combat  and,  though  rattling  harshly  when  disturbed,  will  generally 
glide  away,  sounding  its  warning  note  as  it  goes,  in  graceful, 

445 


The  Rattlesnakes 

though  not  rapid  undulations,  heading  toward  crevices  in  the 
rock  or  the  undergrowth  where  it  at  once  seeks  concealment. 
If  cornered  it  will  fight  bravely,  assuming  a  loose  and  irregular 
coil,  and  striking  with  such  dexterity  that  the  eye  can  scarcely 
follow  the  movement.  It  strikes  generally  a  third,  sometimes 
half  its  length,  but  never  springs  bodily  as  alleged  by  the  writers 
of  sensational  snake  stories.  Nor  is  it  necessary  for  the  snake 
to  be  coiled  to  deal  a  blow.  While  retreating  toward  shelter 
it  will  often  turn  and  from  a  crawling  position  draw  back  the 
head  by  contracting  the  neck  into  an  S-shaped  loop,  and  strike 
readily. 

In  the  coast  swamps  of  South  Carolina  and  Georgia,  the 
"Cane-brake  Rattlesnake"  is  rather  different  in  habits  from  its 
ally  of  the  mountain  ledges.  This  phase  of  the  Banded  Rattler 
grows  to  a  large  size  and  the  majority  of  specimens  are  vicious 
and  untamable.  Their  temper  is  quite  as  different  as  is  the 
malarial  lowgrounds  they  inhabit,  when  compared  with  the 
rugged,  mountain  haunts  of  the  upland  phase  of  Timber  Rattle- 
snakes. 

The  food  of  the  Banded  Rattlesnake  consists  entirely  of 
warm-blooded  prey  in  the  shape  of  small  rabbits,  squirrels, 
rats,  mice,  and  birds. 

Like  all  of  the  rattlesnakes,  this  species  is  viviparous — 
bringing  forth  living  young,  that  are  provided  with  a  single  "but- 
ton" at  birth  representing  the  future  rattle.  The  young  are 
of  much  the  same  colouration  as  the  parent,  but  a  yellow  snake 
will  frequently  give  birth  to  young  that  represent  both  the  yel- 
low and  the  black  phases,  as  has  also  been  frequently  noted 
with  black  females. 

Following  are  notes  pertaining  to  the  birth  of  several  broods, 
from  females  that  had  been  but  a  few  weeks  in  captivity: 

Sept.  6.  Brood  of  12.       Female  from  Pike  Country,  Pennsylvania. 
"    7.  9.  Sullivan  County,  New  York. 

"  12.      "       "  12.  "  "         %" 

"    12.        "  "      7. 

"  .Q  «  "  Q  "  "  II  ft  ft  ft 

A  specimen  of  the  brood  born  on  September  6th,  was  exactly 
twelve  inches  long  at  time  of  birth.  This  same  snake — after 
feeding  regularly — was  again  measured  on  November  I9th,  and 
found  to  be  fourteen  and  a  half  inches  in  length. 

446 


The  Rattlesnakes 

THE  DIAMOND-BACK  RATTLESNAKE 
Crotalus  adamanteus,  (Beauvois) 

Largest  of  the  rattlesnakes.  Fully  adult  specimens  are 
from  six  to  eight  feet  long.  The  body  is  stout  and  heavy,  the 
head  very  broad,  flat  and  distinct  from  the  neck. 

Colouration. — Olive  or  grayish  green,  with  a  chain  of  large, 
diamond  markings  of  a  darker  hue,  these  with  bright  yellow  bor- 
ders about  the  width  of  a  single  scale.  The  rhombs  usually  en- 
close a  patch  of  the  ground-colour;  toward  the  tail  they  become 
obscure  and  finally  fuse  into  cross-bands;  the  tail  above  is  olive, 
ringed  with  black.  The  abdomen  is  dull  yellow. 

On  the  top,  the  head  is  brown  or  olive,  with  numerous  dark 
spots.  Beneath  the  eye  is  a  dark  band,  bordered  on  each  side 
with  a  narrow  band  of  bright  yellow. 

With  the  exception  of  a  more  vivid  pattern,  young  specimens 
are  like  the  parent. 

Dimensions.  —  The  largest  specimen  measured  by  the 
writer  was  eight  feet,  three  inches  in  length.  Its  diameter  was 
four  and  a  half  inches,  and  the  head  three  and  a  quarter  inches 
wide.  Specimens  of  such  dimensions  are  rare.  This  large  spec- 
imen was  captured  in  the  central  portion  of  the  Florida  peninsula. 
The  measurements  quoted  are  of  a  specimen  taken  in  the  vicinity 
of  the  Indian  River,  Florida: 

Total  Length 6  feet,  3  inches. 

Length  of  Tail,  exclusive  of  rattle o 

Length  of  Rattle,  9  segments 2 

Greatest  Diameter  of  Body 4 

Width  of  Head 2 

Length  of  Head 3 

Tbe  fangs  of  this  specimen  were  seven-eighths  of  an  inch  in 
length. 

Compared  with  the  most  deadly  known  species  of  poisonous 
snakes  of  the  world,  the  Diamond-back  Rattlesnake  ranks  second 
to  none.  Its  huge  fangs,  and  enormous  poison  glands,  represent 
the  maximum  degree  of  deadliness  attained  by  the  viperine 
serpents.  The  well-known  and  terrible  bushmaster,  (Lachesis 
mutus)  of  tropical  South  America  attains  a  larger  size  than  this 
rattlesnake  and  consequently  has  larger  fangs,  but  a  careful 
examination  of  the  fangs  of  the  two  species  will  show  that  the 
opening  at  the  tip  of  the  tooth  for  the  ejection  of  venom  is 

447 


The  Rattlesnakes 

proportionately  much  larger  with  the  Crotalus.  The  other  rival  of 
our  big  rattlesnake,  in  point  of  supreme  deadliness,  is  the  king 
cobra  or  hamadryas,  (Naja  bungarus)  of  Malaysia.  But  this 
is  a  slender-bodied  colubrine  snake,  and,  while  attaining  a 
length  of  twelve  feet,  has  fangs  that  are  barely  a  third  of  an  inch 
long.  Its  venom  acts  in  a  different  fashion  from  that  of  the 
vipers — immediately  attacking  the  nerve  centres. 

In  the  structure  of  the  fangs  the  Diamond-back  Rattlesnake, 
its  near  ally  the  western  diamond  rattlesnake,  Crotalus  atrox, 
and  the  variety  ruber,  together  with  the  black-tailed  rattle- 
snake, C.  molossus,  are  interesting  examples,  for  these  serpents 
have  proportionately  larger  fangs  than  other  venomous  snakes 
of  the  United  States.  In  this  character  they  appeal  directly 
to  the  South  American  species  of  Lachesis — the  bushmaster— 
the  fer-de-lance  * — the  jararaca  f  and  others  that  have  enor- 
mously developed,  poison  conducting  teeth. 

Distribution. — Low,  coastal  regions  of  the  southeastern  United 
States,  from  southern  North  Carolina  southward  throughout 
Florida  and  westward  to  the  Mississippi  River.  The  species  is 
most  abundant  in  Florida  and  occurs  on  many  of  the  keys. 

Habits  of  tie  Diamond-back  Rattlesnake 

Most  deadly  of  the  North  American  poisonous  snakes  and 
ranking  in  size  with  the  largest  of  the  tropical  venomous  serpents 
of  both  the  New  and  the  Old  World,  this  huge  Rattlesnake  with 
its  brilliant  and  symmetrical  markings,  is  a  beautiful  and  a  ter- 
rible creature.  Ever  bold  and  alert,  ever  retaining  its  wild 
nature  when  captive,  there  is  a  certain  awe-inspiring  grandeur 
about  the  coil  of  this  formidable  brute;  the  glittering  black  eyes, 
the  slow  waving  tongue,  and  the  incessant,  rasping  note  of 
the  rattle.  All  dignity,  the  "Diamond-back"  scorns  to  flee 
when  surprised.  His  neighbour,  the  cane-brake  rattler,  may 
retreat  in  good  order,  rattling  as  he  goes,  but  retreating  neverthe- 
less; with  this  pirate  of  the  hummocks,  it  is  different.  Ttie  mere 
vibration  of  a  step  throws  the  creature  upon  guard.  Taking  a 
deep  inhalation,  the  snake  inflates  the  rough,  scaly  body  to  the 
tune  of  a  low,  rushing  sound  of  air.  Shifting  the  coils  to  un- 

*  Lachesis  lanceolatus.     South  America  and  the  West  Indies, 
f  Lachesis  atrox.     South  America  and  the  West  Indies. 

448 


The  Rattlesnakes 

cover  the  rattle,  this  is  "sprung"  with  the  abruptness  of  an  elec- 
tric bell.  There  is  no  hysterical  striking,  but  careful  watching, 
and  if  the  opportunity  to  effect  a  blow  with  the  long  fangs  is 
presented,  the  result  is  generally  mortal. 

If  outstretched,  when  surprised,  the  snake  invariably  throws 
the  body  into  a  symmetrical  coil,  doubling  the  neck  into  an 
S-shaped  loop  with  the  head  drawn  well  back  and  within  the  circle 
of  the  body.  Various  rattlesnakes  of  the  West,  the  copperhead 
snake  and  the  moccasin  will  strike  from  various  positions  and 
often  aim  blows  while  crawling,  but  the  Diamond-back  persists 
in  its  perfectly  round  and  graceful  coil,  while  on  the  defensive. 
To  observe  a  large  specimen  taken  unawares  and  literally  fling 
itself  into  fighting  position,  is  to  see  determination  and  courage 
that  exists  among  few  reptiles.  Occasionally,  though  rarely,  a 
Diamond-back  will  glide  for  cover  if  disturbed.  This  is  the  case 
when  a  hiding  place  is  immediately  adjacent.  Generally  described 
this  serpent  might  be  said  to  be  the  most  courageous  of  the  North 
American  snakes. 

Pine  swamps  and  hummock  lands  are  the  abodes  of  the 
Diamond  Rattler.  In  the  South  Carolina  lowgrounds  we  found  that 
these  reptiles  displayed  the  habit  of  hiding  under  the  broad 
leaves  of  the  dwarf  palmettoes  during  the  day,  and  issuing  for 
their  food  at  twilight.  So  closely  do  the  body-colours  blend 
with  the  vegetation  and  the  effect  of  sunlight  and  shadow,  that 
the  coiled  snake  is  seen  with  difficulty.  The  writer  was  shown 
the  large,  hollow  stump  of  a  tree  on  the  edge  of  a  pine  swamp, 
in  South  Carolina.  From  this  hiding  place  a  big  Rattlesnake 
had  several  times  been  seen  to  emerge  and  glide  into  the  growth 
of  the  swamp.  Rabbits  were  common  in  the  vicinity  and  these 
animals  appear  to  form  a  large  percentage  of  the  snakes'  food. 
While  some  weeks  were  spent  collecting  in  this  vicinity,  but  two 
rattlesnakes  were  taken,  although  their  tracks  across  the  sandy 
roads  were  frequently  seen,  and  always  demonstrating  their 
prowlings  to  be  at  night. 

When  progressing  in  leisurely  fashion,  this  species  adopts 
tactics  characteristic  of  the  thick-bodied  poisonous  snakes  gen- 
erally— slow  progress  in  a  perfectly  straight  line,  with  head 
slightly  upraised.  Thus  the  flattened  trails  of  the  big  Diamond- 
backs across  the  dry,  sandy  roads,  as  they  crossed  from  swamp 
to  swamp  were  as  straight  as  the  course  of  a  wheel.  Aside  from 

449 


The  Rattlesnakes 

the  trails,  other  traces  of  this  dreaded  snake  were  several  times 
evident,  in  the  loss  of  several  fine  dogs,  which,  making  their 
way  under  the  floors  of  the  numerous  deserted  cabins  in  the  neigh- 
bourhood, had  been  bitten  and  staggered  into  camp  in  a  dying 
condition. 

As  a  captive,  the  Diamond-back  differs  from  most  snakes 
in  the  display  of  a  persistently  sullen  disposition.  Few  spec- 
imens become  enough  accustomed  to  captivity  to  refrain  from 
using  their  rattles  vigorously  upon  the  slightest  disturbance. 
While  Rattlesnakes  of  other  species  may  lie  silently  all  about 
them  and  yet  be  fresher  captive  than  themselves,  the  rattles  of 
the  Diamond-backs  are  seldom  quiet  if  an  observer  be  near.  It 
is  not  necessary  for  these  snakes  to  see  a  human  form  to  display 
annoyance.  So  sensitive  are  they  to  vibration  that  a  foot-fall 
starts  their  rattles  which  continue  buzzing  for  some  time,  then 

gradually  settle  to  a  monotonous  chick-chick chick-chick 

chick-chick chick chick chick and  cease  to  sound. 

Morose  and  hostile  lie  these  sullen  coils,  for  month  after  month, 
never  taming,  but  always  ready  to  fight  and  sound  the  tireless 
rattles. 

Taking  thus  unkindly  to  captivity,  the  Diamond-back  is 
indifferent  in  its  feeding  habits.  Some  specimens  absolutely 
refuse  to  partake  of  food  at  all  and  gradually  starve  themselves 
to  death,  while  others  feed  so  sparingly  that  they  ultimately  meet 
the  same  fate.  A  large  specimen  in  the  writer's  collection  fasted 
for  thirteen  months,  or  rather  would  have  done  so  if  it  had  not 
been  fed  by  pushing  food  down  its  throat — though  this  was  done 
but  three  times  during  that  lengthy  period.  After  the  expiration 
of  the  time  mentioned,  this  snake  began  to  feed  of  its  own  accord 
— taking  half-grown  rabbits — and  thrived  for  several  years.  A 
Rattlesnake  that  feeds  regularly,  is  rarely  one  that  uses  its  rattle 
to  any  extent. 

The  favourite  food  of  the  Diamond-back  Rattlesnake  is  the 
common  wild  rabbit,  or  "cotton-tail";  in  captivity  ordinary 
domesticated  rabbits  may  be  substituted.  These  snakes  will 
occasionally  take  guinea  pigs  and  sometimes  rats,  but  the  writer 
has  never  succeeded  in  inducing  them  to  feed  upon  feathered 
prey  of  any  kind. 

The  manoeuvres  of  the  average  specimen  when  feeding  in 
captivity,  are  interesting.  They  illustrate  how  nervous  is  this 

45° 


The  Rattlesnakes 

snake  when  removed  from  its  natural  surroundings.  A  medium- 
sized  rabbit  is  placed  in  the  cage  and  the  snake  at  once  shifts  its 
coils  to  a  striking  posture.  The  rabbit  betrays  no  signs  of  fear 
and  may  hop  toward  the  reptile  which  warily  draws  back  its  head. 
While  nosing  about,  the  rabbit  momentarily  presents  its  side  to 
the  snake  and  like  a  flash  of  light  the  deed  is  done.  The  human 
eye  can  observe  but  two  things.  First — the  snake  appeared  to 
strike  for  the  rabbit  and  secondly — to  have  barely  touched  it 
with  its  jaws;  but  during  that  blurred  movement,  several  things 
have  happened,  thus:  The  snake  struck  for  the  rabbit  with 
opening  jaws;  when  its  head  reached  the  prey  its  jaws  were  very 
wide  apart  and  the  fangs  raised  to  such  an  extent  that  they  were 
cast  directly  forward;  the  fangs  pierced  the  rabbit;  the  jaws 
were  closed  sufficiently  to  deeply  imbed  the  fangs;  a  muscle 
over  each  poison  gland  was  contracted  and  a  considerable  quantity 
of  venom  was  injected.  Some  of  these  movements  were  simul- 
taneous. But  the  effect  upon  the  rabbit  must  be  noted.  The 
snake  is  back  in  the  original  position  before  the  rabbit's  frightened 
squeal  is  over.  The  little  creature  bounds  forward,  rolls  on 
its  side,  kicks  convulsively,  and  is  dead.  Barely  one  minute 
passes  from  the  time  of  the  serpent's  stroke  to  the  termination 
of  the  death  struggle.  Possibly  some  reader  may  think  this  is 
a  cruel  performance.  If  so  that  reader  debates  a  provision  of 
Nature  that  none  among  us  should  be  bold  enough  to  criticise. 
And  just  a  word  about  this  so-called  "cruelty"  as  compared 
with  the  habits  of  those  who  have  criticised  the  feeding  of 
reptiles. 

There  are  many  in  the  human  family,  who  preach  strongly 
against  alleged  cruelty,  yet  think  nothing  of  taking  a  pack  of 
vicious  dogs  to  assist  them  in  running  a  helpless  deer  to  within 
range  of  a  chargeof  buckshot.  Many  an  animal  has  staggered  into 
a  thicket  with  broken  leg  or  shoulder  to  bleed  and  die  slowly 
for  the  sake  of  "sport."  Is  this  a  provision  of  Nature?  Yet 
the  writer  remembers  an  instance  when  a  gentleman,  very  fond 
of  a  much-used  collection  of  rifles  and  shotguns,  once  remarked 
upon  witnessing  a  rattlesnake  being  fed,  that  the  snake  exhib- 
ited the  most  demoniacal  cruelty  he  had  ever  seen  displayed 
and  the  creature  should  be  fed  raw  meat  or  nothing. 

But  to  return  to  the  rattlesnake  and  the  dead  rabbit:  The 
snake  waits  patiently  until  it  is  satisfied  that  the  last  spark  of  life 


has  departed,  when  it  uncoils  and  begins  an  examination  of  the 
prey.  This  is  a  careful  and  quite  extraordinary  performance. 
Gliding  about  the  rabbit  it  places  its  snout  close  to  the  animal's 
body  and  probes  with  the  tongue  tips  into  the  fur.  The  examina- 
tion leads  finally  to  the  dead  creature's  head  and  here  the  snake 
makes  a  more  detailed  investigation.  The  slightest  move  on  the 
part  of  the  observer  would  probably  conclude  the  whole  affair, 
the  snake  rattling  sharply  for  a  few  seconds,  then  leaving  the 
prey,  coils  up  again  and  refuses  to  eat.  But  in  the  event  of  not 
being  disturbed,  touches  the  head  lightly  with  the  tongue  tips, 
a  dozen  times  or  more.  At  last  opening  its  mouth,  the  snake 
seizes  its  prey  by  the  nose,  when  the  engulfing  process  begins, 
the  long  fangc  lending  valuable  assistance  in  hooking  the  animal 
into  the  reptile's  mouth  and  throat. 

The  Diamond-back  Rattlesnake  gives  birth  to  from  seven  to 
twelve  young.  These  feed  readily  upon  mice  at  the  start,  and 
grow  rapidly,  fully  maturing  within  two  years.  Captive-bred 
specimens  are  quiet,  good-natured  and  feed  voraciously.  They 
are  hence  more  satisfactory  than  specimens  captured  wild. 

THE   WESTERN   DIAMOND  RATTLESNAKE 
Crotalus  atrox,  (B.  &  G.) 

Next  to  the  diamond-back  rattlesnake  of  the  southeastern 
United  States,  this  is  the  largest  species  of  the  genus.  It  attains 
a  length  of  seven  feet. 

Colouration. — The  pattern  is  very  similar  to  that  of  the  pre- 
ceding and  allied  species,  but  the  ground-colour  is  different  as 
is  the  tail,  which  is  white,  with  jet-black  rings. 

The  ground-colour  may  be  yellowish  gray,  pale,  bluish  gray 
or  pinkish,  according  to  locality;  the  pale  borders  of  the  diamond 
markings  are  dull  white.  Compared  with  the  rich,  olive  and 
yellow  tints  of  the  Eastern  species,  the  present  reptile  evinces 
a  dull  and  faded  pattern. 

The  most  showy  individuals  are  from  the  desert  regions  of 
Arizona.  The  ground-colour  is  distinctly  pinkish,  thft  borders 
of  the  rhombs  vividly  outlined  in  white;  the  tail  chalky  white 
with  jet-black  rings. 

On  all  specimens  the  head  markings  are  similar  to  the  allied 
species,  but  the  pale  stripes  on  the  side  of  the  head  are  not  so 
vividly  defined. 

452 


THE  REPTILE  BOOK 


PLATE  CXXXIII 


MOUNTAIN  DIAMOND  RATTLESNAKE,  Crotalus  atrox— phase  scutulatus 
Recognised  by  the  irregular  plates  between  the  eyes.     See  heads  of  rattlesnakes 


BLACK-TAILED  RATTLESNAKE,  Crotalus  molossus 
Abundant  in  the  mountains  of  the  Southwest  near  the  Mexican  border.     Easily  told  by  the  jet  black  tail.     One  of  the  larger  species 


THE  REPTILE  BOOK 


PLATE  CXXXIV 


PRAIRIE  RATTLESNAKE,  Crotalus  confluentus 

A  reptile  swarming  over  the  western  prairies.     The  clay-colored  markings  are  in  perfect  harmony  with  the  soil.    Few  examples 

are  over  four  feet  long 


PACIFIC  RATTLESNAKE,  Crotalus  oregonus 

The  common  rattlesnake  of  the  Pacific  Region.     A  jet  black  phase  is  abundant  in  the  northern  portion  of  the  range 

An  adult  is  about  four  feet  long 


The  Rattlesnakes 

Dimensions. — Occasional  specimens  six  feet  in  length  are 
taken,  and  sometimes,  though  very  rarely,  seven-foot  specimens 
are  recorded.  All  of  the  records  for  these  very  large  specimens 
seem  to  come  from  Texas.  Records  from  various  localities 
prove  interesting  conditions  regarding  dimensions,  for  there 
appear  to  be  several  races  of  the  species,  some  dwarfed  and  sel- 
dom growing  to  a  length  of  four  feet;  others  averaging  a  length 
of  five  feet  with  quite  slender  bodies;  while  from  some  localities 
all  of  the  snakes  develop  to  a  considerable  size  and  are  more  thick- 
set than  the  former  reptiles.  From  several  dozen  Texas  spec- 
imens an  average  has  been  figured,  and  follows: 

Total  Length 4  feet,  6  inches. 

Tail,  without  rattle 3f 

Diameter  of  Body 2  J 

Width  of  Head i£ 

Length  of  Head 2\ 

Length  of  Rattle,  10  segments 2\ 

Distribution. — The  species  occurs  principally  in  the  sub-arid 
and  desert  regions  of  Texas  and  the  Southwest.  It  is  found 
commonly  in  central  and  western  Texas,  southern  New  Mexico, 
Arizona  and  southern  California.  Although  it  may  be  said  to  be 
most  abundant  in  Texas  where  it  occurs  over  a  large  area,  it  is 
the  most  common  rattlesnake  of  the  genus  throughout  the  en- 
tire range.  Its  habitat  extends  well  into  the  Tableland  of  Mexico, 
but  in  this  part  of  the  range  a  peculiar  phase  of  colouring  and  scu- 
tellation  of  the  head,  is  treated  in  a  succeeding  description. 

Habits. — Like  the  Southeastern  Diamond-back  Rattlesnake, 
this  is  a  nervous  and  irritable  serpent,  but  as  a  captive  is  more 
hardy.  It  will  take  rats,  rabbits,  guinea  pigs  and  birds.  An 
example  seventy-three  inches  in  length  has  lived  in  the  reptile 
house  of  the  New  York  Zoological  Park  for  over  four  years. 
The  snake  is  given  a  half-grown  rabbit  regularly,  every  week. 
Unless  preparing  to  shed  its  skin  it  never  refuses  the  morsel. 
When  the  snake  arrived  from  Texas,  it  was  particularly  vicious 
for  one  of  its  species,  literally  hurling  the  body  into  a  coil  and 
striking  repeatedly  at  its  keeper — and  it  has  remained  so.  In 
spite  of  the  four  years'  attention  Keeper  Snyder  has  given  it, 
in  the  cleaning  of  the  cage  and  presenting  the  food,  the  creature 
strikes  immediately  as  the  door  is  slid  back.  A  step  in  the 
passageway  behind  the  cages  causes  this  dangerous  brute  to 

453 


The  Rattlesnakes 

rattle  nervously,  shift  its  coils  and  inflate  the  body  for  combat. 
On  three  occasions  a  companion  of  the  same  species  was  placed 
in  the  cage,  and  this  in  each  instance  resulted  in  the  original  oc- 
cupant refusing  to  feed.  Upon  the  third  trial  it  stubbornly 
fasted  for  six  weeks,  when  the  offending  serpent  was  removed. 
The  big  rattlesnake  took  its  rabbit  two  days  after. 

THE   MOUNTAIN   DIAMOND  RATTLESNAKE 
(Mexican  Phase  of  Crotalus  atrox) 

On  the  Mexican  Tableland,  which  extends  into  southern 
Arizona,  is  a  peculiar  phase  of  Crotalus  atrox  that  might  be  con- 
fused with  a  more  westerly  species — Crotalus  oregonus — owing 
to  the  diamond  markings  (on  most  specimens)  being  rather  blunt 
and  well  separated — not  forming  a  connected  chain.  Such  ex- 
amples are  yellowish  or  greenish,  and  the  black  and  white  bars 
on  the  tail  are  dull  and  broken.  These  snakes  appear  quite 
different  from  the  powdery  gray  form,  with  the  vividly  marked 
black  and  white  tail,  of  the  sub-arid  plains  and  the  deserts.  The 
head  markings  resemble  Crotalus  oregonus,  owing  to  their  defini- 
tion and  the  breadth  of  the  forward  bar.  Such  specimens  have 
the  forward  portion  of  the  head  covered  with  irregular  plates, 
but  no  two  examples  show  this  character  to  be  exactly  alike. 

For  this  snake  the  technical  name,  Crotalus  scutulatus,  has 
been  proposed,  but  the  many  variations  connect  it  with  Crotalus 
atrox.  From  the  mountains  near  Tucson,  Arizona,  the  writer 
has  received  many  specimens  and  in  all  degrees  of  variation; 
while  all  of  the  examples  are  distinctly  green,  the  pattern  varies 
from  a  chain  of  rhomb-like  markings  (on  a  few)  to  a  series  of  well 
separated,  dark  brown  blotches.  The  average  length  is  three 
and  a  half  feet. 

To  Dr.  Leonhard  Stejneger,  the  writer  is  indebted  for  further 
information  concerning  this  rattlesnake.  Following  is  part  of 
a  letter  from  Dr.  Stejneger,  relating  to  some  of  the  Tucson 
specimens : 

"They  are  very  interesting  as  they  bear  out  my  contention 
that  Crotalus  scutulatus  is  not  a  definable  form,  but  only  repre- 
sents a  tendency  in  the  Arizona-Sonoran  specimens  to  revert  to 
the  original  condition,  or  else  they  represent  the  last  vestiges  of 
this  condition,  it  making  but  little  difference,  with  regard  to  the 
right  of  the  form  to  have  a  name,  which  theory  you  adopt." 

454 


The  Rattlesnakes 

Habits. — Seems  to  be  essentially  a  mountain  reptile.  All 
of  the  Tucson  specimens  were  taken  at  an  elevation,  some  of 
them  on  ledges  in  company  with  the  black-tailed  rattlesnake. 
Crotalus  molossus.  The  typical  form  of  air  ox  was  common  in 
that  vicinity,  but  always  in  the  desert. 

THE   RED   DIAMOND   RATTLESNAKE 
Crotalus  atrox,  variety  ruber,  (Cope) 

The  Red  Diamond  Rattlesnake  differs  from  the  typical 
form  only  in  the  distinctly  reddish  hue  of  the  former. 

Colouration. — Ground-colour  dull,  rusty  red;  the  diamond 
markings  are  of  a  deeper  red,  narrowly  margined  with  dull  white. 

The  tail  is  in  marked  contrast  to  the  red  of  the  body.  It  is 
chalky-white/with  vivid,  black  rings. 

Dimensions. — Much  like  the  typical  form.  It  grows  to  a 
considerable  size  though  not  equal  to  the  length  of  the  largest 
Texas  specimens  of  the  typical  atrox.  The  writer  had  a  female 
specimen  from  San  Diego  County,  California,  that  was  five  and 
a  half  feet  long.  Of  four  other  specimens  received  from  the  same 
districts  two  were  under  four  feet,  one  measured  four  feet  three 
inches  and  the  other,  four  feet  eight  inches. 

Distribution. — Arid  regions  of  southern  California  and  the 
peninsula  of  Lower  California  generally;  southwestern  Arizona. 

Habits. — Like  the  typical  form. 

THE   PRAIRIE   RATTLESNAKE 
Crotalus  confluentus,  (Say) 

The  average  snake  of  this  species  is  of  moderate  size,  and  not 
so  stout  of  body  as  most  rattlesnakes.  Occasional  specimens 
are  six  feet  long. 

Colouration. — Greenish  yellow,  or  olive,  with  a  row  of  large, 
round  and  well  separated  blotches  of  brown  upon  the  back. 
There  is  usually  a  smaller  and  less  distinct  row  of  blotches  on 
the  side.  The  blotches  of  the  back  have  a  narrow,  dark  margin 
and  outside  of  this  is  usually  a  narrow  margin  of  white  or  yellow. 
Toward  the  tail  the  blotches  fade  into  obscure  transverse  bands. 

The  head  markings  are  important  as  they  may  alone  be 
employed  in  distinguishing  the  species  from  the  Pacific  Rattle- 
snake, which  it  closely  resembles. 

455 


The  Rattlesnakes 

There  is  a  dark  band  from  beneath  the  centre  of  the  eye  to  the 
angle  of  the  mouth.  This  is  bordered  both  in  the  front  and  the 
rear  by  a  yellow  stripe,  the  front  stripe  being  narrow — the  width 
of  a  single  scale-row.  In  comparing  the  heads  of  these  species 
it  will  be  noted  that  the  Pacific  Rattlesnake  has  the  dark  band 
commencing  behind  the  centre  of  the  eye,  and  the  forward  pale 
stripe  much  wider — about  the  width  of  two  scales. 

The  eye  plates  are  usually  marked  with  two  white  or  yel- 
low lines,  which  run  together  and  form  a  sharp  point  at  the  outer 
margin. 

Dimensions. — Total  Length  of  an  adult,  female 

specimen  from  Wyoming 38^  inches. 

Length  of  Tail,  ex.  rattle 2f 

Greatest  Diameter i  J      " 

Width  of  Head ij      " 

Length  of  Head if      " 

Number  of  "rattles" — 7  uniform 
segments. 

Distribution. — The  range  is  quite  extensive  and  the  writer 
quotes  the  careful  summing  up  of  the  distribution  as  given  by 
Dr.  Leonhard  Stejneger:  * 

"Broadly  speaking,  the  Prairie  Rattlesnake  occupies  the 
area  bounded  in  the  East  by  the  ninty-sixth  meridian  and  the 
Upper  Missouri  Valley;  by  the  main  divide  of  the  Rocky  Moun- 
tains in  the  West;  by  the  thirty-third  parallel  in  Texas  and  the 
Mexican  boundary  further  west  in  the  South;  and  by  the  fiftieth 
parallel  in  the  North.  In  the  Northeast  its  distribution  appears 
to  be  limited  by  the  watershed  between  the  Missouri  and  the  Red- 
River  of  the  North,  according  to  Dr.  Coues  (Bull.  Geol.  Surv. 
Terr.  IV,  1878,  p.  267),  who  collected  numerous  specimens  along 
the  Canadian  border  between  this  watershed  and  the  crest  of  the 
Rockies.  He  also  states  that  it  is  to  be  considered  fairly  com- 
mon in  the  region  of  the  Upper  Missouri  and  Milk  River  and 
some  of  their  Northern  tributaries;  its  range  thus  extending 
some  distance  into  the  British  Possessions,  where  Mr.  James  M. 
Macoun  informs  me  that  it  is  most  abundant  from  Medicine  Hat, 
on  the  Saskatchewan  to  the  boundary." 

Habits. — In    its   general  demeanour  toward  man,  this  very 

*  "The  Poisonous  Snakes  of  North  America."     Report  of  the  U.  S. 
National  Museum  for  1893,  pp.  337-487. 

456 


The  Rattlesnakes 

abundant  species  of  the  plains  is  a  vicious  reptile.  Though 
it  never  actually  attacks,  it  puts  up  such  a  show  of  fight  that 
the  attitude  is  far  from  reassuring  to  the  uninitiated  in  the  ways 
of  rattlers.  None  of  the  rattlesnakes,  large  or  small,  throw 
as  much  energy  into  the  fighting  coil  as  this  species.  When 
surprised  it  flings  its  body  into  circular  formation,  raises  the  neck 
some  distance  from  the  loose  coils  in  the  form  of  a  sharply  oblique 
bow  and  jabs  hurriedly  at  the  enemy.  So  energetic  is  the  stroke 
that  the  writer  has  seen  a  snake  slide  forward  several  inches. 
These  antics  soon  give  way  to  a  good-natured  laziness  in  captivity. 
Captive  specimens  are  hardy  and  fond  of  mice  and  birds.  A 
specimen  in  the  writer's  collection  became  so  tame  it  would  glide 
to  the  door  of  the  cage  and  take  a  dead  mouse  from  his  fingers; 
the  operation  was  in  no  way  dangerous  as  the  snake  in  crawling 
to  the  coveted  morsel  advanced  with  straightened  neck  and 
was  unable  to  "strike."  The  mouse  was  seized  very  gently 
and  at  once  swallowed.  Mr.  Walter  Ralston,  to  whom  the 
writer  is  indebted  for  many  interesting  snakes,  had  several  tame 
specimens.  They  were  in  possession  of  their  fangs,  but  Mr. 
Ralston  handled  them  like  his  harmless  serpents  and  with  never 
a  show  of  bad  temper  on  the  rattlers'  part;  he  jokingly  remarked 
that  his  snakes  had  forgotten  how  to  rattle  as  they  had  not  used 
their  caudal  appendages  for  many  months. 

The  Prairie  Rattlesnake  is  responsible  for  the  oft-repeated 
tale  of  the  fraternal  relations  between  the  prairie  dogs  and  the 
rattler.  In  a  way  the  story  is  true  enough  for  the  rattlesnake 
frequently  takes  refuge  in  the  burrows  of  the  rodents,  but  it 
instinctively  seeks  the  deserted  burrows  as  does  the  common 
little  owl  of  the  plains.  No  sensible  rattlesnake  will]  remain 
above  ground  and  fight  the  human  invader  when  a  deep  burrow, 
close  at  hand,  offers  secure  retreat.  Hence  the  human  is  incited 
to  theory.  He  has  noted  a  rattlesnake  disappear  into  the  bur- 
row of  a  prairie  dog.  On  the  horizon  are  the  outlines  of  the 
sentinel  "dogs"  of  the  town,  watching  the  movements  of  the 
intruder,  who  jams  the  facts  together  in  such  a  fashion  that 
the  snake  becomes  the  inevitable  inhabitant  of  the  marmot 
colony,  and  the  appearance  of  a  burrowing  owl  a  few  minutes 
later  results  in  the  imaginary  addition  of  another  member  to 
the  "happy  family." — Let  actual  conditions  be  understood: 
The  rattlesnake  is  a  wanderer  and  its  presence  in  the  prairie 

457 


The  Rattlesnakes 

dog  colony  has  been  prompted  by  a  hungry  stomach.  It  does 
not  hesitate  to  prowl  into  a  burrow  and  devour  several  of  the 
young.  It  does  not  remain  in  the  burrow  for  the  warm,  animal 
odour  of  the  place  warns  it  that  the  parent  has  but  shortly  left, 
and  while  it  does  not  fear  an  encounter  it  craves  a  quiet  place 
where  it  may  assimilate  the  meal.  Crawling  forth  into  the  sun 
again,  it  wanders  about  in  search  of  a  deserted  burrow  and  into 
this  it  disappears  for  several  days.  It  is  at  the  mouth  of  this  bur- 
row, placidly  sunning  and  awaiting  the  completion  of  digestion 
that  the  human  observer  sees  the  snake.  Nearby  may  be  an- 
other burrow,'  for  some  time  deserted  by  the  original  occupants 
and  now  occupied  by  a  family  of  owls.  Nothing  could  be  more 
incongruous  or  farther  from  harmony,  than  a  mixture  of  snake, 
"dogs"  and  owls  in  the  same  burrow. 

THE   PACIFIC  RATTLESNAKE 
Crotalus  oregonus,  (Holbrook)* 

Size  rather  smaller  than  the  prairie  rattlesnake.  The 
greater  number  of  specimens  are  under  four  feet  in  length.  The 
conformation  is  much  like  that  of  the  allied  species. 

Colouration. — Very  similar  to  the  prairie  rattlesnake.  The 
ground-colour  is  gray,  pale  brown  or  greenish.  On  the  back  are 
large,  rounded  spots,  well  separated  and  narrowly  bordered  with 
black;  toward  the  tail  these  blotches  fuse  into  the  shape  of 
transverse  bands;  the  tail  is  more  strongly  barred  with  the  darker 
colour  than  that  of  the  other  species. 

Head  markings. — The  markings  of  the  head  appeal  to  the 
prairie  rattlesnake,  but  may  be  readily  employed  to  distinguish 
the  present  species.  The  dark  band  commences  behind  the 
centre  of  the  eye  and  extends  to  the  angle  of  the  mouth — with 
C.  confluentus  it  begins  beneath  the  centre  of  the  eye.  The 
pale  band  in  front  of  this  darker  one  is  much  broader  than  with 
the  prairie  rattlesnake. 

Although  the  large  eye  plates  on  the  top  of  the  head  have 
symmetrical,  pointed  marks,  which  terminate  at  the  outer  margin, 
these  are  not  vividly  defined. 

*  Has  erroneously  been  called  Crotalus  lucifer,  (B.  &  G.)-  Because 
Holbrook's  original  figure  portrayed  a  rhomb-like  pattern,  numerous 
writers  have  refused  to  accept  it  as  representing  this  species,  though 
Holbrook  designated  the  locality,  and  the  scalation  of  the  head  of  the 
tvpe  specimen  agrees  with  the  description  of  lucifer. 

458 


The  Rattlesnakes 

Variations. — The  ground-colour  varies  considerably.  Some 
specimens  are  almost  black.  A  specimen  examined,  from  the 
Beaver  Mountains,  in  Utah,  is  pale  green,  with  sooty  black 
saddles  on  the  back  and  none  upon  the  sides.  The  blotches 
contained  none  of  the  ground-colour  as  is  usually  the  case. 

Dimensions. — An  adult  specimen,  from  Beaver  County, 
Utah,  and  having  a  rattle  consisting  of  five  uniform  segments, 
showed  the  following  measurements: 

Total  Length 34    inches. 

Tail,  exclusive  of  rattle 2j      " 

Greatest  Diameter i  J       " 

Width  of  Head if      " 

Length  of  Head if      " 

Distribution. — The  Pacific  region,  from  southern  British 
Columbia  to  southern  California.  Also  occurs  in  Idaho,  Nevada 
and  Utah.  It  inhabits  mountainous  regions  to  an  altitude  of 
1 1 ,000  feet. 

Habits. — Similar  to  the  prairie  rattlesnake.  It  is  hardy 
in  captivity. 

THE  TIGER  RATTLESNAKE 

Crotalus  tigris,  (Kennicott) 

The  Tiger  Rattlesnake  attains  a  moderate  length — seldom 
more  than  three  and  a  half  feet.  Its  conformation  does  not 
materially  differ  from  that  of  the  prairie  and  Pacific  rattles- 
snakes. 

Colouration. — Yellowish  gray,  with  a  series  of  small  and 
not  very  distinct  blotches  on  the  back  and  on  each  side,  for  the 
forward  third  of  the  body;  on  the  latter  two-thirds,  these  blotches 
fuse  into  regular  cross-bands,  producing  a  strongly  barred  effect. 
There  is  usually  a  dark  bar  from  the  eye  to  the  angle  of  the  mouth. 

Several  specimens  from  the  mountains  of  southwestern 
Arizona  looked  quite  black  upon  a  gross  examination.  Ex- 
amined closely,  the  pale  ground-colour  appeared  only  as  dull  gray 
bars  on  the  sides  of  the  latter  portion  of  the  body. 

Dimensions. — The  largest  specimen  examined  was  forty 
inches  long.  Its  proportions  were  rather  more  slender  than  the 
Pacific  rattlesnake. 

Distribution. — Desert  mountains  of  Arizona,  Nevada  and 
southern  California. 

459 


While  the  Tiger  Rattlesnake  has  for  some  time  been  con- 
sidered a  very  rare  species,  numerous  records  show  it  to  be 
fairly  common  in  the  barren  mountain  ranges  of  the  extreme 
Southwest.  A  collector  in  southern  California  says  that  these 
snakes  live  at  a  considerable  elevation,  but  were  not  rare.  To 
back  up  his  claim,  he  sent  five  specimens  East.  Mr.  Herbert 
Brown,  of  Yuma,  Arizona,  in  a  letter  to  the  writer,  says:  "Dur- 
ing the  late  overflows  (1905)  of  the  Colorado  and  Gila  Rivers, 
the  snakes  were  driven  from  the  valley  lands  and  could  be  had 
in  any  number  on  the  higher  benches.  Black  and  yellow  rattlers 
(C.  tigris)  were  very  abundant.  They  are  scarcer  now." 

Habits. — The  Tiger  Rattlesnake  is  not  a  very  vicious  species 
— if  its  habits  may  be  judged  by  eight  or  ten  captive  specimens. 
After  a  few  weeks  in  captivity  it  becomes  lazy  and  good-natured. 
Three  specimens  lived  for  about  two  years.  They  fed  upon 
mice,  young  rats  and  birds. 


THE   HORNED   RATTLESNAKE;   "SIDE-WINDER" 
Crotalus  cerastes,  (Hallowell) 

While  this  is  one  of  the  smallest  species  of  Crotalus,  it  is  the 
most  distinct,  owing  to  the  horn-like  process  over  each  eye, 
which  is  really  an  elongation  of  the  upper  eye-shield  (supraocular) . 
The  body  is  stout,  with  strongly  keeled  scales — the  three  central 
rows  of  scales  having  highly-raised  keels,  of  tubercular  formation. 

Colouration. — Pale  brown,  yellow,  or  pinkish,  with  a  series 
of  dull  blotches,  generally  separated  by  white  interspaces.  On 
the  sides  are  irregular  rows  of  small  black  or  brown  spots.  Most 
specimens  have  several  black  bars  on  the  tail. 

Dimensions. — The  maximum  length  is  about  thirty  inches. 
Following  are  the  measurements  of  a  rather  small  specimen, 
from  the  Colorado  Desert : 

Total  Length iy£  inches. 

Tail,  exclusive  of  rattle \\  *    ' 

Greatest  Diameter f       " 

Width  of  Head f      " 

Length  of  Head if 

Number  of  segments  of  rattle,  five,  including  the  original 
"button" — each  of  the  segments  successively  larger,  denoting 
a  steadily  increasing  growth. 

460 


THE  REPTILE  BOOK 


PLATE  CXXX. 


HORNED  RATTLESNAKE,  Crotalus  cerastes 


HEAD  OF  THE  HORNED  RATTLESNAKE 

From  all  other  rattlesnakes  the  present  species  is  at  once  distinct.     It  is  sometimes  called  the  "  Sidewinder,"  owing  to  its  habit  of 

progressing  in  a  series  of  loops.     A  small  desert  species 


THE  REPTILE  BOOK 


PLATE  CXXXVI 


GREEN  RATTLESNAKE,  Crotalus  lepidus 

Only  a  few  specimens  of  this  apparently  rare  serpent  have  been  captured.     All  were  from  the  immediate  vicinity  of  the  Mexican 

boundary,  on  either  side. 


PRICE'S  RATTLESNAKE,  Crotalus  pricei 
Another  rare  species,  and  of  diminutive  proportions.     Lives  in  the  mountain  ranges  near  the  Mexican  boundary. 


The  Rattlesnakes 

Distribution. — Desert  areas  of  Arizona,  southern  Nevada, 
southwestern  Utah  and  eastern  California. 

Habits. — In  its  methods  of  progression  this  very  interesting 
snake  differs  from  every  other  North  American  serpent.  The 
remarkable  fashion  in  which  it  loops  its  way  over  the  desert 
sands  is  an  exact  reproduction  of  the  motions  displayed  by  the 
several  species  of  vipers  that  inhabit  the  borders  of  the  African 
and  Arabian  deserts. 

When  progressing  in  a  very  leisurely  manner  the  Horned 
Rattlesnake  glides  almost  in  a  straight  line,  as  do  all  Rattle- 
snakes—very slowly,  with  head  slightly  raised  and  horizontal. 
It  is  when  the  creature  quickens  its  gait  that  the  movements 
become  complicated  and  altogether  unlike  those  of  a  serpent. 
The  progression  is  by  a  series  of  large  loops  of  the  body  thrown 
forward;  one  loop  follows  another  with  perfect  symmetry  of 
alternation,  while  the  snake  moves  off  at  a  sharply  oblique  angle 
to  the  direction  in  which  the  head  is  pointing  and  with  such  a 
degree  of  agility  that  the  spectacle  is  not  only  grotesque,  but 
bewildering.  It  in  no  way  resembles  a  crawl;  it  is  a  walking 
movement. 

Here  we  see  Nature's  admirable  provision  to  enable  a  heavy- 
bodied  snake  to  progress  at  some  speed  over  desert  sands.  That 
this  is  the  only  fashion  in  which  a  thick-bodied  snake  could 
display  agility  on  soft  soil  is  well  illustrated  by  the  fact  that  these 
singular  movements  have  been  adopted  by  the  vipers  of  the  Afri- 
can deserts  and  again,  far  removed  from  them,  by  our  one  species 
of  rattlesnake  that  inhabits  the  desert  proper. 

THE  GREEN   RATTLESNAKE 

Crotalus  lepidus,  (Kennicott) 

The  smallest  species  of  the  genus.  Its  conformation  differs 
from  the  other  rattlesnakes  as  the  body  is  quite  slender,  though 
the  head  is  broad,  flat  and  distinct  from  the  neck.  This  species 
has  twenty-three  rows  of  scales. 

Colouration. — Greenish-gray,  or  rich,  dark  green  above, 
crossed  at  wide  intervals  by  narrow,  jet-black  bands.  The  bands 
are  usually  bordered  with  pale,  greenish-yellow.  The  abdomen 
is  pinkish,  or  yellowish-white. 

Immediately  behind  the  head  is  a  black  blotch  that  is  bluntly 
forked  in  front.  Between  the  black  bands  on  the  body  are 

461 


The  Rattlesnakes 

scattered  scales  that  are  tipped  with  black.  There  are  prac- 
tically no  head  markings,  though  the  labial  (lip)  plates  are  paler 
than  the  upper  portion  of  the  head. 

Dimensions. — Following  are  the  measurements  of  a  per- 
fectly adult  specimen,  with  a  rattle  of  six  uniform  rings: 

Total  Length 23 J  inches. 

Length  of  Tail,  exclusive  of  rattle if 

Length  of  Rattle,  6  rings J 

Greatest  Diameter f 

Width  of  Head f 

Length  of  Head i 

Distribution. — The  range  is  quite  extensive,  though  the 
species  is  rare,  so  far  as  known.  Later  records  may  extend  the 
distribution.  The  few  specimens  in  our  museums  have  been 
taken  along  the  Mexican  boundary  from  Eagle  Pass,  on  the  Rio 
Grande,  in  Texas,  to  Yuma,  Arizona.  The  most  northerly  rec- 
ord of  capture  is  from  a  point  not  far  west  of  Socorro,  New 
Mexico. 

Through  the  kindness  of  Dr.  Samuel  Garman  and  Mr.  Thomas 
Barbour,  the  writer  has  examined  and  photographed  (the  spec- 
imen figured)  one  of  these  snakes  captured  in  the  San  Bias  Moun- 
tains, in  the  state  of  Chihuahua,  Mexico — but  a  short  distance 
south  of  the  boundary  line. 

The  range  of  the  species  into  Mexico  is  not  known. 

Habits. — The  species  inhabits  mountainous  areas. 

PRICE'S    RATTLESNAKE 
Crotalus  pricei,  (Van  Denburgh) 

Next  to  the  green  rattlesnake,  the  present  species  is  the 
smallest  of  the  genus.  Price's  Rattlesnake  is  quite  stout  of  body. 
On  gross  examination  it  appears  strikingly  like  the  Northern 
massasauga,  (Sistrurus  catenatus),  in  size,  form,  colouration  and 
shape  of  ihe  rattle.  The  scales  are  in  twenty-one  rows. 

Colouration. — Grayish-brown,  with  two  series  of  closely  set, 
small,  seal-brown  blotches  on  the  back — these  faintly  margined 
with  white.  On  some  specimens  the  spots  fuse  together  in  the 
form  of  transverse  blotches;  this  tendency  is  shown  on  the  latter 
part  of  the  body  with  most  specimens.  On  the  tail  the  markings 
assume,  above,  the  form  of  rings. 

462 


The  Rattlesnakes 

The  head  is  grayish  above,  with  a  large  lyre  or  U-shaped 
blotch  at  the  base.  From  behind  the  eye  to  the  base  of  the  head, 
is  a  broad  black  band,  bordered  beneath  by  white  and  thus  greatly 
intensified.  The  abdomen  is  slaty  gray. 

Dimensions. — Following  are  the  measurements  of  an  adult 
specimen,  with  a  rattle  composed  of  six  uniform  segments. 

Total  Length 21^  inches. 

Tail,  exclusive  of  rattle i£ 

Length  of  Rattle,  6  rings £ 

Greatest  Diameter 

Width  of  Head f 

Length  of  Head i  £ 

Distribution. — As  the  species  is  very  rare  the  limits  of  its 
range  are  not  definitely  known.  It  was  discovered  in  1895  in 
the  Huachuca  Mountains  in  Arizona,  and  since  that  time,  barely 
a  dozen  specimens  have  been  taken  in  the  United  States.  The 
species  probably  ranges  from  southern  Arizona  well  into  Mexico. 

Through  the  kindness  of  Dr.  Samuel  Carman  and  Mr.  Thomas 
Barbour,  the  writer  has  examined  a  specimen  from  the  San  Bias 
Mountains,  in  Chihuahua,  Mexico,  not  far  from  the  boundary. 

Habits. — Nothing  is  known  of  the  habits  beyond  the  dis- 
position to  frequent  mountainous  places  and  at  a  considerable 
elevation. 

THE  WHITE   RATTLESNAKE 
Crotalus  mitcbellii,  (Cope) 

Owing  to  its  pallid  colouration,  snakes  of  this  species  might 
be  confused  with  pale  specimens  of  the  Western  diamond  rattle- 
snake, (C.  atrox).  The  similarity,  however,  is  in  the  whitish 
colour  only.  From  all  the  other  species  of  North  American 
Crotalus,  the  White  Rattlesnake  differs  in  an  arrangement  of  * 
the  head  scales,  thus: 

The  large  plate  in  front  of  the  nostril  (anterior  nasal)  is  sepa- 
rated from  the  nose  plate  (rostral)  by  small  scales.  With  the  other 
species  of  Rattlesnakes  it  will  be  observed  that  the  shield  in 
front  of  the  nostril  is  in  contact  with  the  nose  plate  (rostral). 

Colouration. — Grayish-yellow  or  pinkish,  the  body  profusely 
sprinkled  with  brown  dots.  Upon  the  back  these  dots  are  crowded 
into  the  form  of  a  series  of  blotches,  which,  although  not  exactly 
rhomb-like  in  character,  impart  much  the  same  effect  as  the 

463 


The  Rattlesnakes 

pattern  of  the  Western  diamond  rattlesnake.  This  similarity 
is  heightened  by  the  tail;  this  is  white  with  black  rings.  There 
is  a  yellowish  band  from  in  front  of  the  eye  to  the  angle  of  the 
mouth. 

On  most  specimens  the  markings  are  very  obscure,  but  the 
writer  received  one  specimen  from,  San  Diego  County,  California, 
so  strongly  marked  that  it  was  momentarily  mistaken  for  a  spec- 
imen of  the  Crotalus  atrox — the  Western  diamond  rattlesnake. 

A  bright  red  specimen  has  been  taken  in  Canyon  Prieto, 
not  far  from  Fort  Whipple,  Arizona.  This  was  given  the  name 
pyrrba,  by  Prof.  Cope.  As  no  other  specimens  have  been  taken 
since  its  capture  (1866)  it  can  hardly  be  considered  anything  but 
an  individual  variation  in  colour. 

Dimensions. — The  length  of  a  mature  specimen  seems  to  be 
about  three  and  a  half  feet.  The  conformation  of  the  head  and 
body  is  like  the  Western  diamond  rattlesnake. 

Distribution. — Desert  mountains,  though  not  at  a  great 
altitude,  of  Lower  California,  southern  California,  southern 
Arizona  and  extreme  northwestern  Mexico. 

Mr.  Herbert  Brown  has  given  the  writer  the  following  note 
about  the  species: 

"In  the  Tinajas  Altas  Range,  a  small,  detached  mountain, 
about  70  miles  southwest  of  here  (Yuma),  there  is  a  white  Rattle- 
snake. I  submitted  a  specimen  to  Dr.  Van  Denburgh,  of  San 
Francisco,  California.  He  says  it  is  Crotalus  mitcbellii.  They 
are  slightly  marked  with  dark  across  the  middle  of  the  back,  but 
otherwise  the  white  or  gray  is  solid.  Dr.  W.  J.  McGee  to  whom 
I  am  indebted  for  the  specimen,  killed  two  of  them  while  in  the 
range.  He  said  that  when  coiled  they  looked  like  bunches  of 
white  cotton.  I  believe  I  have  seen  them  in  the  Death  Valley 
country." 

Habits. — But  one  living  example  has  been  observed  by  the 
writer.  It  was  a  nervous  snake,  and  kept  its  pale,  straw-coloured 
rattle  always  ready  to  be  shaken  upon  the  slightest  disturbance. 
It  steadily  refused  food  and  lived  but  a  few  months.  Observations 
upon  a  single  specimen  of  a  creature  so  far  removed  from  its 
environment  are  of  but  little  value.  To  describe  such  a  snake 
as  stupid  would  be  but  to  theorise  over  the  actions  of  a  wild  brute 
suddenly  removed  from  everything  natural,  stunned  and  grieving 
from  the  change.  What  we  frequently  regard  as  "stupidity" 

464 


The  Rattlesnakes 


on  the  part  of  a  dumb  brute,  is  its  constant  longing  for  liberty, 
overcoming  all  ideas  of  exercise  and  appetite.  Unless  we  can  to 
a  considerable  extent  copy  an  animals  environments,  thence 
compare  the  actions  of  numerous  individuals,  we  cannot  with 
certainty  describe  habits. 


465 


INDEX 


Abas  tor  erythrogrammtts,  366 
Alabama  Terrapin,  38 
Allen's  Snake,  264 
Alligator,  84 
Alligator  Lizard,  102 
Alligator  mississippiensis,&4 
Alliga_tor  Turtle,   15 
American  Crocodile,  89 
Amphiardis  inornatus,  272 
Ancistrodon  bilineatus,  415 

contortrix,  420 

piscivorus,  415 
Ancistrodon,  Key  to,  415 
Angitidas,  160 
Aniella  pulchra,  168 
Aniellidce,  168 
Annulated  Snake,  389 
Anolis  carolinensis,  102 
Anti-Venine,  408 
Anti-venomous  Serum,  408 
Arizona  Ringed  Snake,  357 
Aromochelys  carinatus,  22 

odpratus,  20 

tristycha,  21 
Aromochelys,  Key  to,  18 

Banded  Chicken  Snake,  308 
Banded  Ground  Snake,  331 
Beaded  Lizards,  169-177 
Bipes,  191 

Bipes  caniculatus,  192 
Black-banded  Snake,  390 
Black-headed  Snake,  Eisen's,  391 

Slender,  391 

Texas,  391 
Blacksnake,  279 
Black  Swamp  Snake,  263 
Blanding's  Turtle,  56 
Blind  Snake,  California,  210 

Texas,  210 
Blind  "Worm,"  168 
Blue-tailed  Lizard,  196 
Boa,  Rosy,  211 

Rubber,  211 

Three-lined,  an 

Boas,  Key  to  No.  American,  210-211: 
Boidce,  210 
Box  Turtle,  Baur's,  63 

Common,  59 

Florida,  63 

Large,  62 

Painted,  58 

Three-Toed,  63 
Box  Turtles,  Key  to,  55 
Brown,  Arthur  Erwin,  356 
Brown  Lizard,  164 
Brown  Snake,  267-269-271-272-332 
Brown  Snakes,  Key  to,  266 
Bull  Snake,  Arizona,  320 

Common,  318 

Pacific,  320 
Bull  Snakes,  Key  to,  315-316 

Callisaurus,  Definition  of,  1 1 6 
Callisaurus  draconoides,  117 
Cape  Striped  Lizard,  185 
Carphophis  amcenus,  370 
Cemophora  coccinea,  373 
Cerros  Island  Striped  Lizard,  i80 


Chain  Snake,  359 
Chameleon,  American,  102 
Charina  bottce,  211 

brachyops,  211 
Checkered  "Adder,"  342 
Chelonia,  Classification  of,  3 
Chelonia  imbricata,  9 

mydas,  8 
Chelonidae,  ^ 
Chelopus  guttatus,  50 

insculptus,  53 

marmoratus,  51 

muhlenbergii,  51 
Chelopus,  Key  to,  49-50 
Chelydra  serpentina,  1 2 
Chelydridae,  n 
Chicken  Turtle,  34 
Chilomeniscus  cinctus,  373 

ephippicus,  372 
Chrysemys  alabamensis,  38 

belli,  33 

concinna,  36 

elegans,  40 

floridana,  57 

hieroglyph-tea,  36 

marginata,  33 

mobiliensis,  38 

nebulosa,  41 

picta,  32 

reticulatus,  34 

rubriventris,  38 

scabra,  39 

texanq,  40 

troosti,  35 

Chrysemys,  Key  to,  30-32 
Chucka walla,  Common,  in 

Island,  in 

Chucka  wallas,  Key  to,  in 
Chunkhead,  420 
Cinosternidae,  17 
Cinosternum  bauri,  25 

flavescens,  25 

henrici,  26 

integrum,  26 

louisiance,  24 

pennsylvanicum,  23 
Cinosternum,  Key  to,  19 
Cistudo  bauri,  63 

Carolina,  59 

major,  62 

ornata,  58 

triunguis,  63 
Clonophis  kirtlandi,  261 
Cnemidophorus  grahami,  187 

gularis,  187 

hyperythrus,  185 

labialis,  188 

maximus,  186 

sericeus,  186 

sexlineatus,  188 

tessellatus,  186 
Coach  whip  Snake,  286 
Collared  Lizard,  113 
Colour  Changes  of  Lizards,  103-104 
Coluber,  Black,  303 

Davis  Mountain,  299 

Emory's,  298 

Four-banded,  308 


467 


Index 


Coluber  Gray,  307 

Lindheimer's,  306 

Red,  300 

Red-headed,  296 

Smooth -scaled,  314 
Coluber  emoryi,  298 

guttatus,  300 

obsoletus,  303 

variety  confinis.  307 
variety  lindheimeri,  306 

quadrivittatus,  308 

subocularis,  299 

vulpinus,  296 
Colubers,  Key  to,  295-296 
Common  Spotted  Lizard,  120 
Contia  episcopa,  331 

variety  isozona,  331 

mitis,  332 

occipitale,  332 

taylori,  331 
Contia,  Key  to,  328 
Cooter,  36 

Copers  Desert  Lizard,  118 
Cope's  Lizard,  182 
Copperhead  Snake,  420 
"Coral  Snake,"  350 
Coral  Snake,  Eastern,  396 

Sonoran,  401 

Coral  Snakes,  Key  to,  396 
Corn  Snake,  300 
Cotton-mouth  Snake,  415 
Crocodilians,  Key  to  No.  Am.  species,  83 
Crocodilidce,  83 
Crocodilus  americanus,  89 
Crotalinis,  List  of  American,  412-413 
Crotalus  adamanteus,  447 

atrox,  452 

ruber,  455 
scutulatus,  454 

cerastes,  460 

confluentus,  458 

horridus,  441 

lepidus,  461 

mitchcllii,  463 

molossus,  440 

oregonus,  458 

pricei,  462 

ftgrts,  459 
Crotaphytus  collans,  113 

reticulatus,  115 

wislizenii,  115 

Crotaphytus,  Key  to,  112-113 
Crowned  Snake,  391 
Ctenosaura  hemilopha,  107 

multispinis,  107 
Cyclophis  cestivus,  322 

DeKay's  Snake,  267 
Desert  Fauna,  159 
Diadophis  amabilis,  337 

punctatus,  334 

regalis,  338 

Diadophis,  Key  to,  333-334 
Diamond-back  Terrapin,  47 
Dipsadomorphina,  386 
Dipsosaurus  dorsalis,  109 
Dog-nosed  Snake,  372 

Elapine  Snakes,  392-402 
Elaps  euryxanthus,  401 

fulvius,  396 
Elaps,  Key  to,  396 
-Ewiltf,  SS 

Emys  blandingii,  56 
Erythrolamprus  imperialis,  390 
Eublepharis  variegatus,  100 
Euchirotes,  191 

Euchirotidce,  Key  to  Genera,  191 
Eumeces  anihr acinus,  199 

brevilincatus,  200 

egregius,  199 


468 


Eumeces  gilberti,  198 
guttulatus,  200 
leptogrammus,  197 
multivirgatus,  196 
obsoletus,  198 
pachyurus,  200 
pluyialis,  200 
quinquelineatus,  196 
septentrionalis,  iggj 
skiltonianus,  198 
tetragrammus,  199 
Etitacnia  butleri,  223 
elegans,  225 

biscutata,  229 

cpuchi,  230 

infernalis,  227 

jworciawa,  229 

vagrans,  228 
eques,  230 
me  galops,  221 
multitnaculata,  239 
proximo,  220 
radix,  222 
rufopunctata,  240 
sackeni,  219 
squrita,  216 
sirtalis,  231 

leptocephala,  239 

ordinatus,  237 

parietalis,  237 

pickeringii,  238 

Eutcsnia  elegans,  Key  to  Varieties,  225 
Eutcenia,  Key  to  Species,  215-216 
Eutcenia  sirtalis,  K«y  to  Varieties,  232-234 

Farancia  abacura,  367 

Fence  Lizard,  102 

Ficimia  cana,  372 

Flat-Nosed  Snake,  Brown's,  293 

Graham's,  292 

Peninsula,  293 
Fox  Snake,  296 

Garman's  Brown  Snake,  273 
Garman,  Dr.  Samuel,  265 
Garter  Snake,  Arizona,  221 

Brown,  230 

Butler's,  223 

Common,  231 

Green,  228 

Marcy's,  229 

Narrow-headed,  239 

Pickering's,  238 

Plains,  222 

Red-barred,  237 

Red-spotted,  240 

Single-striped,  227 

Spotted,  237 

Washington,  229 

Western,  224 

Western  Spotted,  239 
Garter  Snakes,  Key  to,  215-216 
Gecko,  Banded,  100 

Cape,  99 

Reef,  99 

Tubercular,  98 

Warty,  98 

Geckonidce,   Key  to   No.   Arrfe  species,    98 
Geographic  Terrapin,  43 
Gerrhonotus  imbricatus,  165 

kingii,  164 

liocephalus,  164 

multicarinatus,  161 
Gerrhonotus,  Key  to,  161 
Gila  Monster,  172 
Gilbert's  Lizard,  182 
Glass  "Snake,"  165 
Glauconia  dukis,  210 

humilis,  210 

Glauconia,  Key  to  No.  Am.  species,  210 
Glauconiidce,  209 
Gopher  Snake,  276 


Index 


Graham's  Lizard,  187 

Grass  Snake,  324 

Gray  Rat  Snake,  307 

Green  Lizard,  102 

Green  Snake,  Keeled-Scaled,  322 

Smooth-Scaled,  324 
Green  Turtle,  8 
Green  Whip  Snake,  322 
Ground  Lizard,  203 
Ground  Snake,  267-269-271-273 
Ground  Snake,  Arizona,  373 

Red  and  Black,  372 

Haldea  striatula,  271 
Harlequin  Snake,  396 
Harp  Turtle,  6 
Hawk's-bill  Turtle,  9 
Heloderma  horridum,  176 

suspectum,  172 
Helodermatidae,  169 
Hemichirotes,  191 
Henshaw's  Lizard,  183 
Heterodon,  Key  to,  378 

nasicus,  384 

platyrhinus,  378 

simus,  383 

Hieroglyphic  Terrapin,  36 
Highland  Moccasin,  420 
Hog-nosed  Snake,  Black,  382 

Common,  378 

Southern,  383 

Western,  384 
Holbrookia  elegans,  120 

lacerata,  120 

maculata,  120 

propinqua,  120 

texana,  120 
Holbrookia,  definition  of,  116 

Key  to,  120 
Horned  Lizard,  Ashy,  157 

Cerros.Is.  151 

Ditmars's,  154 

Douglass's,  148 

Goode's,  158 

Hernandez's,  148 

Little,  156 

MacCall's,  159 

Mexican,  149 

Pacific,  152 

Painted,  148 

Regal,  150 

Smooth,  158 

Texas,  153 

Horned  Lizards,  Key  to,  146-147 
Horned  "Toads,"  143-159 
House  Snake,  300-342 
Hypsiglena  ochrorhyncha,  339 

Iguana,  Black,  107 

Cape,  107 

Desert,  109 

Spiny-tailed,  107 

Iguanas,  Key  to  No.  Am.  species,  107 
Indigo  Snake,  276 

Jew's-harp  Snake,  389 

Keel-backed  Lizard,  109 

Keeled  Lizard,  161 

Kemp's  Loggerhead  Turtle,  8 

King's  Lizard,  164 

King  Snake,  Blotched,  355 

Boyle's,  363 

Brown,  354 

California,  363 

Common,  359 

Davis  Mountain,  356 

Mexican,  353 

Red,  348 

Ringed,  348-357 

Say's,  358 

Scarlet,  350 


King  Snake,  Yellow-bellied,  355 
King  Snakes,  Key  to,  340-341 
Kirtland's  Snake,  261 

Lacertilia,  Classification  of,  95-96 
Large  Striped  Lizard,  186 
Leather-back  Turtle,  6 
LeConte's  Snake,  375 
Leopard  Lizard,  115 
Lesueur's  Terrapin,  44 
Lichanura  roseofusca,  211 

trivirgata,  211 
Lipdytes  allcni,  264 
Liopeltis  vernalis,  324 
Loggerhead  Turtle,  7 
Long-necked  Terrapin,  34 
Luth,  6 

Lygosoma  lalcrale,  203 
Lysoptychus  lateral-is,  126 

Macrochelys  lacertina,  15 
Malacoclemmys  geographica,  43 

kohni,  46 

lesueurii,  44 

oculifera,  47 

palustris,  47 

pulchra,  46 

Malacoclemmys,  Key  to,  42-43 
Map  Turtle,  43 
Mexican  Beaded  Lizard,  176 
Mexican  Spotted  Lizard,  120 
"Mimicry,"  395 
Milk  Snake,  342 

Miscellaneous  Keeled-scaled  Snakes,    261 
Miscellaneous  Smooth -scaled  Snakes,  327 
Miscellaneous  Small  Snakes,  Key  to,  327 
Mobile  Terrapin,  38 
"Moccasin" — harmless,  257 
Moccasins,  414-425 
Mountain  Black  Snake,  303 
Mouse  Snake,  300 
Mud  Snake,  263-264 
Mud  Turtle,  Arizona,  26 

Banded,  25 

Baur's,  25 

Common,  23 

Louisiana,  24 

Mexican,  26 

Yellow-necked,  25 
Mud  Turtles,  Key  to,  19 
Muhlenberg's  Turtle,  51 
Musk  Turtle,  Common,  20 

Keeled,  22 

Southern  ,21 
Musk  Turtles,  Key  to.  18 

Occellated  Desert  Lizard,  118 
(Decollated  Terrapin,  47 
Ophibolus  qlternus,  356 
calltgaster,  355 
doliatus,  348 

clericus,  346 
coccineus,  350 
gentilis,  348 
triangulus,  343 
getulus,  359 

boylii.  363 
California,  363 
sayi,  358 
tnicropholis,  353 
rhombomaculatus,  354 
zonatus,  357 

Ophibolus,  Key  to  the  Species,  340-341 
Ophidia,  Classified  List  of,  207-208 
Ophisaurus  ventralis,  165 
Opisthoglyph  Snakes,  Key  to,  388 
Opisthoglyph  a,  386 
Pacific  Ground  Snake,  332 
Painted  Terrapin,  32 
Peninsula  Terrapin,  41 
Phrynosoma  calidiarum,  157 
cerroense,  151 


469 


Index 


Phrynosoma  coronatum,  151 

cornutum,  153 

ditmarsi,  154 

goodei,  158 

mace  allii,  159 

modestum,  156 

orbiculare,  149 

platyrhinum,  158 

regale,  150 

Phrynosoma,  Key  to,  146-147 
Phyllodactylus  tuberculosus,  98 

unctus,  99 
Phyllorhynchus  browni,  293 

decurtatus,  293 
Pilot  Black  Snake,  303 
Pilot  Snake,  420 
Pine  Snake,  316 
Pituophis  catentfer,  320 

melanoleucus,  316 

iotyt,  318 

bellona,  320 

Pituophis,  Key  to,  315-316 
Pit  Vipers,  403 
Plated  Lizard,  165 
Plated  Lizards,  Key  to,  161 
Poison  Apparatus  of  Pit  Vipers,  404 
Poison  of  Elapine  Snakes,  394 
Poison  of  Heloderma,  170 
Poison  of  Opisthoglypha,  387 
Pond  Terrapin,  32 
Pond  Turtle,  50 

Queen  Snake,  243 

Racer,  Banded,  288 

Black,  279 

Blue,  285 

Green,  285 

Ornate,  290 

Pink-bellied,  288 

Red,  288 

Striped,  289 

Yellow-bellied,  285 
Racers,  Key  to,  274-275 
Race  Runners,  184 
Rainbow  Snake,  366 
Rat  Snakes,  Key  to,  295-296 
Rattlesnake,  Banded,  441 

Black-tailed,  440 

Diamond-back,  447 

Edward's,  438 

Green,  461 

Horned,  460 

Massasauga,  436 

Mountain  Diamond,  454 

Pacific,  458 

Pigmy,  433 

Prairie,  455 

Price's,  462 

Red  Diamond,  455 

Sidewinder,  460 

Tiger,  459 

Timber,  441 

Western  Diamond,  452 

White,  463 

Rattlesnakes,  Distribution  of,  428 
Rattlesnakes,  Key  to,  439-440 
Rattlesnake,  Pilot,  420 
Rattle,  Structure  and  Use  of,  429 
Red-bellied  Snake,  269-367 
Red-bellied  Terrapin,  38 
Red  Chicken  Snake,  300 
Red-headed  Lizard,  196 
Red  Milk  Snake,  346 
Red-necked  Terrapin,  36 
Red-spotted  Desert  Lizard,  118 
Remedies  for  Snake  Bite,  406 
Reticulated  Lizard,  115 
Reticulated  Terrapin,  34 
Rhadinea  flavilata,  330 
Rhinechis  elegans,  314 
Rhineura  floridana,  193 


Rhinochilus  lecontei,  375 
Ribbon  Snake,  Eastern,  216 

Southern,  219 

Western,  220 

Ringed  Ground  Snake,  332 
Ring-necked  Snake,  Eastern,  334 

Sonoran,  338 

Western,  337 

Ring-necked    Snakes,    Key    to,     333-334 
River's  Lizard,  183 
Rock  Snake,  329 
Round-spotted  Desert  Lizard,  118 

Salvadora  grahamice,  292 
Sauromalus  atcr,  1 1 1 

hispidus,  in 
Scarlet  Racer,  300 
Scarlet  Snake,  373 
Sceloporus  biseriatus,  135 

collar-is,  140 

clarkii,  131 

graciosus,  141 

orcuttii,  133 

spinosus,  134 

thayeri,  139 

torquatus  var.  poinsettii,  140 

undulatus,  137 

var.  consobrinus,  136 
var.  occidentalis,  139 

vandenburgianus,  136 

variabilis,  137 

yarrovii,  135 

Zosteromus,  133 

Sceloporus,  Key  to  the  Species,  128-130 
Scincidce,  195 
"Scorpion,"  Lizard,  196 
Sea  Turtles,  Key  to,  5 
Semi -box  Turtle,  56 
Seminatrix  pygcea,  263 
Sharp-nosed  Snakes,  Key  to,  369-370 
Short-tailed  Snake,  329 
Sibon  septentrionalis,  389 
Sistrurus  catenatus,  436 

edwardsi,  438 

miliarius,  433 
Sistrurus,  Key  to,  433 
Six-lined  Lizard,  188 
Six-lined  Race  Runner,  i8S 
Skink,  Black,  197 

Blue-spotted,  200 

Blue-tailed,  196 

Black-banded,  199 

Brown-backed,  203 

Cope's,  200 

Five-lined,  196 

Florida,  199 

Gilbert's,  198 

Hayden's,  197 

Many-lined,  196 

Pluvial,  200 

Red-headed,  196 

Short-lined,  200 

Skilton's,  198 

Sonoran,  198 

Texas,  199 

Slender  Spotted  Lizard,  120 
Small-scaled  Swifts,  Key  to,  123-115 
Snake  Bite,  Records  of,  409  % 

Treatment  of,  406 
Snake  Poison,  Effects  of,  405 
Snakes,  Classified  List  of  No.  Am.,  207-208 
Snapping  Turtle,  Alligator,  15 

Common,  12 

Snapping  Turtles,  Key  to,  1 2 
Soft -shelled  Turtle,  Brown,  78 

Emory's,  78 

Southern,  74 

Spiny,  77 

Soft-shelled  Turtles,  Key  to,  73 
Southern  Milk  Snake,  348 
Sphasrodactylus  notatus,  99 
Sphargidce,  6 


470 


Index 


Sphargis  coriacea,  6 
Spilotes  corais  couperi,  276 
Spiny  Swifts,  Key  to,  128-131* 
Spiny-tailed  Iguana,  106 
Spotted  Chicken  Snake,  307 
Spotted  Lizards,  Key  to,  118 
Spotted  Race  Runner,  187 
Spotted  Turtle,  50 
Stejneger,  Dr.  Leonhard,  404 
Stilosoma  extenuatum,  329 
Storeria  dekayi,  267 

occipitomaculata,  269 
Storer's  Snake,  269 
Striped  House  Snake,  308 
Striped  Lizards,  184-189 
Striped  Snakes,  Key  to,  215-216 
Striped  Swamp  Snake,  262 
Swamp  Snake,  264 
Swift,  Banded,  133 

Black,  125 

Black-tailed,  125 

Clark's,  131 

Collared,  140 

Common,  137 

Four-barred,  123 

Long-tailed,  123 

Mearns's,  123 

Olive,  124 

Orcutt's,  133 

Ornate,  124 

Pacific,  139 

Palmer's,  1 24 

Sage  Brush,  141 

Spiny,  134 

Stansbury's,  124 

Striped,  140 

Thayer's,  139 

Three -barred,  123 

Van  Denburgh's,  136 

Variable,  137 

Western,  135 

White-bellied,  125 

Yarrow's,  135 

Yellow-banded,  136 

Tantilla  coronata,  391 

eiseni,  391 

gracilis,  391 

nigriceps,  391 

Tantilla,  Key  to  Species,  391 
Taylor's  Snake,  331 
Teiidce,  184 
Terrapin,  Alabama,  38 

Barred,  36 

Baur's,  46 

Bell's,  33 

Chicken,  34 

Cumberland,  40 

Diamond-back,  47       ) 

Eastern  Painted,  33 

Florida,  37 

Geographic,  43 

Hieroglyphic,  36 

Kohn's,  46 

Lesueur's,  44 

Long-necked,  34 

Mobile,  38 

Occellated,  47 

Peninsula,  41 

Red-bellied,  38 

Red-necked,  36 

Reticulated,  34 

Texas,  40 

Troost's,  35 
»        Western  Painted,  33 

Yellow-bellied,  39 
Terrapins,  Classification  of,  28 

Definition  of  Genera,  29 
Tessellated  Lizard,  186 
Testudo  agassizii,  69 

berlandieri,  71 

polyphemus,  66 


Testudo,  Key  to  No.  Am.  speeies,  65-66 
Texas  Terrapin,  40 
Thalassochelys  caretta,  7 

kempi,  8 

Thunder  Snake,  359 
Tiger  Lizard,  187 
Tortoise,  Agassiz's,  69 

Berlandier's,  71 

Gopher,  66 

Treatment  of  Snake  Bite,  406 
Trimorphodon  lyrophanes,  389 
Trionyx  emoryi,  78 

ferox,  74 

inuticus,  78 

spinifer,  77 
Troost's  Terrapin,  35 
Tropidoclonium  lineatum,  262 
Tropidonotus  clarki,  245 

compressicaudus,  246 

cyclopium,  255 

fasciatus,  246 

erythrogastcr,  250 
sipedon,  251 
transversns,  254 

grahami,  244 

leberis,  243 

rhombifer,  254 

rigidus,  244 

taxispilotus,  256 

validus,  245 

Tropidonotus,  Key  to,  241-242 
Trunk  Turtle,  6 

Turtles,  Classification  of  No.  Amer.,  3 
Two-footed  Worm  Lizard,  192 
Two-headed  Snake,  211 

Uma  inornata,  1 1 8 

notata,  118 

rufopunctata,  118 

scoparia,  1 1 8 
Uma  Key  to,  118 
Ufa  graciosa,  125 

levis,  124 

mearnsii,  123 

nigricauda,  125 

ornata,  124 

palmeri,  124 

parviscutata,  125 

re  pens,  123 

stansburiana,  124 

symmetrica,  125 

thalassina,  123 
Ufa,  Key  to,  123-125 

Van  Denburgh,  John  J.,  179 

Van  Denburgh's  Striped  Lizard,  186 

Verticaria,  185 

Viperine  Snakes,  403 

Virginia  elegans,  273 

Valerias,  272 
Virginia's  Snake,  273 
Water  Pilot,  256 

Water  "Rattle,"  256 
Water  Snake,  Banded,  246 

Blotched,  254 

Brown,  256 

Clark's,  245 

Common,  257 

Diamond-back,  254 

Flat-tailed,  246 

Graham's,  244 

Green,  255 

Red-bellied,  250 

Striped,  244 

Western,  245 

Water  Snakes,  Key  to,  241-242 
Western  Painted  Terrapin,  33 
Western  Pond  Turtle,  52 
Whip  Snake,  281 
Whip-tailed  Lizard,  187 
White-bellied  Lizard,  120 


471 


Index 


White  Gopher  Snake,  316 
Wood  Turtle,  53 
Worm -like  Lizards,  190-194 
Worm  Lizard,  168-193 
Worm  Snake,  271-272-370 
Worm  "Snake,"  168 

Xantusia  gilberti,  182 

henshawi,  183 

ptcta,  182 

riyersiana,  183 

vigilis,  179 

Xantusia,  Key  to,  178-179 
Xantusiidce,  178 
Xantus's  Lizard,  179 

Yellow-bellied  Terrapin,  39 


Yellow  Chicken  Snake,  308 
yellow  Gopher  Snake,  318-320 
bellow  Ground  Snake,  331 
Y"rllow-lipped  Snake,  330 
Yellow  Rat  Snake,  308 


Zamenis  constrictor,  279 

flaviventris,  285 
flagelltformis,  286 

frenatum,  288 
piceus,  288 
later alis,  288 
tceniatus,  289 

ornatus,  290 

Zamenis,  Key  to,  274-275 
Zebra-tailed  Lizard,  117-120 


14  DAY  USE 

RETURN  TO  DESK  FROM  WHICH  BORROWED 

EARTH  SCIENCES  LIBRAkV 

This  book  is  due  on  the  last  date  stamped  below,  or 

on  the  date  to  which  renewed. 
Renewed  books  are  subject  to  immediate  recall. 


LD  21-50m-6,'60 
(B1321slO)476 


General  Library 

University  of  California 

Berkeley 


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